University News Last updated 14 June
Professor Wasim Hanif, Professor and Medical Director at Birmingham City University, has been awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026 for services to Diabetes and Health Inequalities.
A globally respected clinician, academic and health policy leader, Professor Hanif has made a significant contribution to improving outcomes for people living with diabetes and tackling health inequalities in the UK and internationally.
At BCU, he has played a key role in strengthening healthcare education, advancing clinical partnerships and supporting the development of the future healthcare workforce.
Born in Hyderabad, India, Professor Hanif, pictured, studied medicine at Gandhi Medical College, affiliated with Osmania University, before moving to the UK in 1995.
He gained an MD from the University of Birmingham, completed specialist training in Diabetes and Endocrinology at University Hospitals Birmingham, and has served as a Consultant since 2003.
As Professor and Medical Director at BCU, Professor Hanif has helped shape the University's growing reputation for excellence in healthcare education and research.
His work reflects BCU's commitment to improving health outcomes across diverse communities and addressing the inequalities that continue to affect access to care and long-term wellbeing.
Professor Hanif has published extensively and was among the first researchers to highlight the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority communities in the UK.
His expertise has informed healthcare policy at the highest levels, including through advisory roles with the World Health Organisation, the European Union, and the UK Parliament.
Alongside his work at BCU and University Hospitals Birmingham, Professor Hanif has held a number of influential leadership positions, including Trustee of Diabetes UK, Non-Executive Director of the BMJ, Chair of the Association for the Study of Obesity UK, Trustee of the South Asian Health Foundation, and President-Elect of the British Medical Association.
Professor Hanif said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a desire to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and to address the inequalities that continue to affect health outcomes across our society.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and support of the many colleagues, students, researchers and healthcare professionals I have had the privilege to work alongside.
“While this is a tremendous personal honour, it is also recognition of the importance of continuing our efforts to deliver fairer, more inclusive healthcare.”