Dr Sonali Dasgupta named as Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales

28 April 2026

The Learned Society of Wales has awarded its Fellowship to a consultant at Velindre Cancer Service.

Dr Sonali Dasgupta, medical oncology consultant and the Wales-wide lead for cancer of unknown primary (CUP), is amongst 44 new Fellows, which recognise the depth and breadth of Welsh research, innovation, leadership and creativity.

With over half (52%) of its new Fellows being women, the Society also reaches the milestone of electing the highest proportion of women in its history.

Sonali has been at Velindre since 2018 and, during this period, has founded the South-east Wales Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Service, for which she is Clinical Lead.

Dr Dasgupta said:

"I am honoured to be selected as a Fellow of Learned Society of Wales (LSW) elite group of high-achieving professionals. 

"Collaborative working with LSW Fellow peers will help shape the next generation of research and innovation in Wales, influence policy makers in addressing the top priority unmet needs in healthcare and wider community, and champion diversity and inclusivity within government mandates.

“Ultimately, my goal is to put the spotlight on Wales, Velindre NHS University Trust and the Society as international exemplars of academic achievement and societal contribution.”

The Learned Society of Wales Fellows come from across the arts, humanities and sciences, and this year reflect the importance to Welsh society of a vibrant cultural life.

As Wales’ National Academy, its harnesses the multidisciplinary expertise, experience, and connections of its Fellowship to promote and develop Wales’ research and innovation community, and to support the use of excellent and diverse research to solve the challenges faced in Wales and across the world.

Hywel Thomas, President of the Learned Society of Wales, said:

“Welcoming our new Fellows to the Society is always one of the highlights of the Society’s year. We look forward to bringing their experience and knowledge to our work on policy and researcher development.

“I am also thrilled that our work on equity, diversity and inclusion is starting to see the Fellowship include increasing numbers of women. This has been the result of concerted efforts to embed our EDI commitment at every turn."

Current Fellows from Velindre Cancer Service include Professor Mark Taubert, Clinical Director for Palliative Medicine, and Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Dr Seema Arif, as well as Professor Andrew Westwell, an Independent Member on Velindre University NHS Trust Board.