Leicester diabetes expert celebrated with US award

A world leading expert in diabetes from Leicester has been recognised for her remarkable contribution to the prevention and treatment of the condition at a ceremony in the USA.

Professor Melanie Davies CBE received a 2025 National Scientific and Health Care Achievement Award at the American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s 85th Scientific Sessions conference in Chicago on 23 June. Melanie is only the second woman to receive this prestigious award, and is the first woman outside of the USA to do so.

The award recognises Professor Davies’ exceptional contribution to our knowledge and understanding of type 2 diabetes. The discoveries made through her research have had a significant impact on diabetes prevention and treatment around the world.

Melanie Davies is Professor of Diabetes Medicine at the University of Leicester, an Honorary Consultant Diabetologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Co-Director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre.

She said: “I am delighted to receive the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Diabetes Research Award.

“I’m honoured and deeply humbled to have been nominated by my esteemed colleagues and for their support and belief in me.  Throughout my career I’ve been inspired by the work of former recipients whose research has driven clinical care into diabetes. It feels wonderful to be chosen to be part of this history, and to know that I may now similarly inspire future generations of researchers in this ever-evolving field.”

Professor Davies is a world-leading researcher with over 980 original published articles into the causes, screening, prevention, self-management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and has an H Index of 140 and more than 109,000 citations.

Her research is driven by her clinical experience and the voices of people living with diabetes and includes screening for type 2 diabetes, prevention, self-management, 24-hour physical behaviours, and novel therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Henderson, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association said: “The diligent work of these passionate professionals is moving us closer to a world free of diabetes. Their contributions to research, prevention, and treatment are creating lasting change and improving the lives of people affected by diabetes.”

The ADA’s Scientific Sessions is the world’s largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are expected to convene to unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes.

The NIHR Leicester BRC is part of the NIHR and hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in partnership with the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.