On the 10th May, our 2017 Asian Women of Achievement award winners were announced at a star-studded event at the London Hilton, Park Lane. Today, we would like to turn the spotlight onto the winner of the Science and Technology category, Professor Sadaf Farooqi.

We celebrate her phenomenal, ground-breaking research

Sadaf Farooqi is a Professor of Metabolism and Medicine at the University of Cambridge and a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow. Her work has fundamentally altered our understanding of obesity: she has discovered and characterised the first genetic disorders that cause severe childhood obesity and the translation of her research into patient benefits has paved the way to treating a condition that is often fatal.

Her work has also changed clinical attitudes and diagnostic practice worldwide but it is her ability to communicate these complex scientific discoveries in an easy-to-understand, relatable manner that has enabled her to tackle emotive and taboo issues and take ‘obesity’ beyond the confines of a health care debate and into day-to-day conversation. She has the expertise but also the confidence to question stereotypes, stigmas and generally accepted beliefs that are held around the increasingly important subject of obesity.

… and her inspirational mentorship

The judges also praised Sadaf’s dedication to the mentorship, development and training of young doctors and academics. She is a determined advocate of women’s empowerment and has overcome immense challenges in a discipline with only a handful of female role models. She is one of four female Wellcome Trust Senior Clinical Fellows in the UK and, at Cambridge, is one of seven female Professors in a medically-related discipline.

What does this award mean to our winner?

When asked what winning this award means, Sadaf replied, ‘I think these awards are important because they showcase the contribution that young Asian women are making to society, and in doing so encourage others to achieve their dreams. I am delighted to win this award. To me, what this award demonstrates is that if you are ever faced with the words ‘people like you can’t’ when striving for success at school, aiming for a prize, a position, fellowship, this award shows that people like me can and therefore that people like you can too.’

Get involved with the Asian Women of Achievement Awards

If you would like to get involved with the 2018 Asian Women of Achievement Awards, get in touch: info@womenofthefutre.co.uk.