Professor awarded OBE in King's Birthday Honours
Published on 15/06/2026
Prof. Wasim Hanif, Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), has been awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours List.
Prof. Hanif, who has worked at UHB for three decades, was given this prestigious accolade for ‘services to diabetes and health inequalities’.
During his time at UHB, he has worked as a consultant physician and head of service in diabetes, as well as professor of diabetes and endocrinology.
Prof. Hanif is a national authority on diabetes, obesity and ethnic health and works with several national bodies, and professional groups in the UK.
He has also had advisory roles with the World Health Organisation, the European Union, and the UK Parliament. He has been involved with major research projects in diabetes, including diabetes in Ramadan, obesity, ethnicity and tackling health inequalities.
Prof. Hanif said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award.
“I have been with UHB for three decades starting as a senior house officer in the organisation and rising to rank of consultant in 2003. UHB has helped me develop as a clinician, academic and leader. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my colleagues and patients.
“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.”
The full citation for the OBE read: “Professor Wasim Hanif, Clinical Advisor Diabetes UK and Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham. For services to diabetes and health inequalities.”
Prof. Hanif also works as professor and medical director at Birmingham City University and holds a number of other 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.
