Leicester researcher’s success honoured at international conference

Professor Kamlesh Khunti receives the award

A professor from the University of Leicester has received a prestigious award in recognition of his in-depth research in diabetes.  

Professor Kamlesh Khunti has been presented with a Mohans Gold Medal Oration Award at the 11th edition of Dr Mohan’s International Diabetes Update, which was held last weekend in Chennai, India.  

Professor Khunti’s oration award was entitled ‘Social determinants of cardiometabolic diseases in ethnic minority populations’.  

“I am honoured to receive this highly respected award,” said Professor Khunti – Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands and Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester. 

He added: “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team and our commitment to understanding and addressing the unique health challenges faced by ethnic minority populations.” 

Alongside his academic roles, Professor Khunti is also the Co-Director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre and Director of the Centre for Ethnic Health Research, where he has contributed significantly to improving the health of the ethnic minority community.  

“Research into ethnic minority health is crucial in addressing the significant health inequalities faced by these communities,” said Professor Khunti.  

He continued: “Our work has also been pivotal in identifying and addressing the disproportional impact of COVID-19 on people from ethnic minority backgrounds.  

“By continuing to focus on these disparities, we can develop targeted interventions that improve health outcomes and promote equity for all ethnic groups.”

Dr Mohan’s International Diabetes Update 2024 is an international conference which explores the latest in diabetes and its complications. Professor Khunti received one of the highest awards conferred by the conference. 

The annual event allows attendees to interact with the foremost experts in the field of diabetes from India and abroad.  

NIHR ARC East Midlands funds vital work to tackle the region’s health and care priorities by speeding up the adoption of research onto the frontline of health and social care. The organisation puts in place evidence-based innovations which seek to drive up standards of care and save time and money.  

NIHR ARC East Midlands is hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and works in collaboration with the Health Innovation East Midlands. It has bases at the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham.