‘Global champion’ Prof. Mala Rao awarded prestigious Alwyn Smith Prize for outstanding service to public health

Her tireless work spanning public health practice, policy and research was recognised in October 2021 with the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) award which recognises her exceptional contribution to improving the public’s health through research.

Professor Mala Rao OBE, NIHR ARC NWL Ethnicity and Health Theme Lead and Senior Clinical Fellow, Imperial College, is a well-known and highly regarded public health doctor and co-founder of the NHS Race and Health Observatory.

Her research and advisory roles cover many areas including race equality, workforce development, strengthening health systems and environmental health. Mala is known for high impact research projects that inform her prominent sector voice and position her as an influential leader and role model to many.

Relentless commitment

Professor Maggie Rae, President FPH said:

“Your research on policy issues has influenced health strategies benefitting millions of people in the UK and globally, and your commitment to social justice and race equality has been relentless.”

She continued:

“You are recognised globally as a champion of climate change action and sustainable development. You are a highly esteemed leader in public health and have inspired a generation of young professionals through your innovative working, passion, dedication and friendship.”

Leading the conversation

In a highly distinguished career Mala has lead research on global health, climate change and social equality gaining international recognition for her pioneering work. She has used her influence to raise the awareness of climate change on health, the importance of universal access to health care and sanitation and most recently highlighted the rise of eco anxiety in young people.

Mala said:

“I am deeply honoured, and humbled, to receive this award from the Faculty, as probably the first ethnic minority person to do so, and very much hope others will follow me. Public health achievements are impossible without the inspiration, support, friendship and allyship of others. To those, who are reflected in this recognition, I say a heartfelt thank you.”

An ‘outstanding contribution’

The Alwyn Smith Prize is a discretionary prize awarded annually "to the FPH member or fellow judged to have made the most outstanding contribution to the health of the public by either research or practice in community medicine (public health medicine)”. The prizes acts as a platform to promote and celebrate the contributions and achievements of outstanding individuals.

Congratulations flooded in on social media with Mala being described as a “trailblazer”, “inspiration” and her work having “enhanced so many careers” while “tacking inequalities and discrimination pushing for a fairer system.”