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UEL academic recognised in New Year Honours List

Thursday 3 January 2013

Mala Rao

A leading public health academic at UEL has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours List.

Mala Rao, Professor of International Health in the Institute for Health and Human Development (IHHD) at UEL, was awarded an OBE for services to public health in the UK and overseas.

During her 30 year career, Professor Rao’s work in policy, practice and research has had a major impact in both the UK and India. She established the first evidence-based cancer service network in the UK, and led the delivery of its public health skills and career framework.

Her recent work has focused on highlighting the health impacts of climate change, directing the first institute of public health in India, and the development of health insurance schemes and primary care in India.  

Professor Mala Rao said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour. Colleagues and friends know how passionate I am about public health, and it is a truly wonderful as well as humbling experience, to be recognised for the work I have hugely enjoyed doing for the past 30 years.”

Professor Adrian Renton, Director of IHHD said. “I am delighted Mala’s outstanding contribution to public health has been recognised in this way, as she has been such an important force in developing the international dimension to our research institute.”

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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