Leading Leicester researcher named among the 75 most influential ethnic minority people in health
Professor Kamlesh Khunti
An internationally renowned Leicester-based researcher has been named among the 75 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health by the Health Service Journal (HSJ).
Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE, Co-Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to healthcare research, particularly in type 2 diabetes and tackling health inequalities among ethnic minority communities.
The prestigious HSJ 2026 list celebrates influential leaders from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds who are making a significant contribution to health and care across the UK.
Professor Khunti joins several high-profile figures on the list, including London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, renowned surgeon and healthcare innovator Lord Ara Darzi.
Professor Khunti, who is Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, is one of the world's leading researchers into type 2 diabetes and received numerous national and international awards for his work.
He is also Co-Director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), which is recognised internationally for its pioneering research, education and innovation in diabetes care, Co-Theme Lead at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Leicester for Data Innovation for Multiple Long-term Conditions and Ethnic Health theme, and Co-Theme Lead at the British Heart Foundation Leicester Centre of Research Excellence for Populations theme.
As Director of the Centre for Ethnic Health Research, Professor Khunti has played a leading role in understanding and addressing health inequalities affecting ethnic minority communities.
He was among the first researchers to identify the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people from ethnic minority backgrounds, with his research helping to highlight inequalities in health outcomes during the pandemic.
His expertise also contributed to the work of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), helping to inform the national response to COVID-19.
In his role as Co-Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands, Professor Khunti leads a regional partnership bringing together universities, health and social care organisations and other partners to tackle the region's most pressing health and care challenges.
Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE said: "It is a tremendous honour to be recognised by the Health Service Journal alongside so many inspirational leaders who are making a real difference to health and care across the country.
"Throughout my career, I have been passionate about improving outcomes for people living with cardiometabolic conditions and addressing the inequalities that continue to affect ethnic minority communities.
"This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the many talented colleagues and collaborators I have had the privilege of working with at NIHR ARC East Midlands, the University of Leicester, the Leicester Diabetes Centre and the Centre for Ethnic Health Research.
"There is still much more to do to ensure everyone has access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their background, and I hope this recognition helps to shine a light on the importance of research in creating a fairer and more equitable health and care system."
University of Leicester’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, said: “Professor Khunti is a highly dedicated individual whose commitment to addressing the unique health challenges faced by ethnic minority communities is widely recognised. He epitomises all that the University of Leicester seeks to be as a Citizen of Change, making real-life differences to patients here and across the globe.”
Professor Khunti's inclusion in the HSJ list adds to a growing number of prestigious accolades recognising his contribution to healthcare research.
In 2023, he was named in the HSJ top 50 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health list and in 2022, he was named among Britain's 101 Most Influential Asians in the GG2 Power List, placing in the top 50 for his achievements in diabetes research and improving health outcomes for ethnic minority communities.