University of Guelph professor Nina Jones has been named to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, joining the “emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership.”

Created by the Royal Society of Canada in 2014, the College recognizes academics who have made exceptional achievements within 15 years of completing their doctoral degrees.

Jones, a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, is among 80 new scholars selected from nominees of Canadian universities and the National Research Council. Members are named for seven years.

“Congratulations to Professor Jones for this prestigious honour,” said Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic). “This is a wonderful honour for Professor Jones and speaks to the strength of her teaching and scholastic achievements. The entire University community can take pride in her achievements.”

Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research), added: “This recognition is proof positive of Professor Jones’s research excellence and the esteem in which she is held by her colleagues.”

Jones, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Eukaryotic Cellular Signalling, studies fundamental mechanisms of cell communications. Her work has helped in understanding molecular processes involved in kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“It’s an incredible honour to be named into the College of the Royal Society of Canada,” Jones said.

“This is a fantastic recognition of my laboratory’s research achievements, and I look forward to the opportunity to engage and exchange ideas with peers and Fellows across the country.”

Jones recently received a five-year grant worth almost $750,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for her studies of kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease affects three million Canadians.

By learning why the organ fails, she aims to help improve tests allowing doctors to detect and treat the disease earlier or more effectively. Previously, she studied the effects of soy consumption on kidney health.

Jones is the only U of G researcher funded by the Kidney Foundation of Canada (KFOC). Earlier this year, KFOC recognized her outreach activities with an outstanding community partner award. She and her research team will take part in this weekend’s Kidney Walk, held annually at the Guelph Country Club.

She is also funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

Jones will be formally inducted into the College Nov. 18.

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada is the country’s oldest and most prestigious scholarly organization. The College of Scholars is intended to bring together scholars “at a highly productive stage of their careers” to promote interdisciplinary interaction and understanding.