The Union is delighted to share the news that Professor Sir Alimuddin Zumla, Union Medal winner, supporter and friend of The Union, has been awarded the prestigious 2020 Mahathir Science Award.
The Union is delighted to share the news that Professor Sir Alimuddin Zumla, Union Medal winner, supporter and friend of The Union, has been awarded the prestigious 2020 Mahathir Science Award.
The Mahathir Science Award is a distinguished international award which recognises the best scientific work in solving the health problems of the Tropics. The award is presented annually to researchers or institutions that have made internationally recognised scientific breakthroughs in pioneering tropical research which has had great positive impact on society in the fields of Tropical Medicine, Tropical Agriculture, Tropical Architecture and Engineering and Tropical Natural Resources. Sir Ali Zumla was nominated for the award by Professor Jamshed Bomanji of UCL Hospitals.
Sir Ali Zumla’s research and capacity development work over the past decades has enabled breakthroughs in tuberculosis (TB), TB-HIV co-infections and other infectious diseases. In 2018, Sir Ali Zumla received The Union’s highest honour, the Union Medal, in recognition of his work improving global health, with an emphasis on assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged people. As a staunch global advocate for diseases affecting vulnerable groups, Sir Ali Zumla has always been able to bring together scientists, politicians, advocates and civil society in the fight against such diseases, to great synergistic effect.
Nominees for the Mahathir Science Award go through a very rigorous selection process which is modelled on the scientific Nobel Prize selection procedures to ensure that the award is presented to the best candidate. The Mahathir Science Award Foundation, which presents the awards, commented on the selection as follows:
“Sir Alimuddin was selected as the recipient of this award on the basis of his illustrious career in infectious diseases and tropical medicine. He established and directs a multi-continent collaboration with several African, Middle Eastern, European and American institutions on collaborative research aligned closely to capacity development and training programs and his research has truly had major impact beyond academia.”
On behalf of our members, friends, staff and consultants, The Union wishes to congratulate Sir Ali Zumla on his enormous achievement.
Professor Sir Alimuddin Zumla is Professor of Infectious Diseases and International Health at University College London, UK, and also a Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.