12
NEWS
Investment
in diabetic
plasters
A Coventry University (CU) graduate
has secured a £4,800 investment to
explore the use of seaweed and algae
in diabetic wound-healing plasters.
Zahir Al Alawi's idea to help
address slow wound healing in
diabetic patients was one of ten
pitched by entrepreneurs hoping
for a share of £25,000 at a special
event organised by the CU Social
Enterprise team. It was part of
Coventry University's Launch
Programme, with funding from
Santander Universities UK, and aims
to empower entrepreneurs with
crucial funding opportunities for
their start-up journeys.
Zahir says, "The Launch
Programme has provided me with
invaluable support to explore the
potential of seaweed and algae in
diabetic wound-healing plasters,
addressing a significant healthcare
challenge. The funding and
mentoring support I've received
will enable me to test and refine
my innovative solution. I highly
encourage fellow students with
entrepreneurial aspirations to take
advantage of the opportunities
offered by the Launch Programme."
www.coventry.ac.uk/cuse
Zahir Al Alawi with Donna Kendall CU Pro ViceChancellor (Student
Journey) and Eleanor Browne from
Coventry University Social Enterprises.
Honorary degree for Khunti
An internationally recognised
diabetes professor from Leicester
has been presented with an
honorary degree from the
university he graduated from as a
doctor in 1984. The University of
Dundee awarded the prestigious
title to Professor Kamlesh Khunti
CBE at this year's summer
graduation in June for his profound
and enduring contributions to
improving the lives of people living
with diabetes.
Professor Khunti has been
responsible for major advances in
Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
diseases and receives the honorary
degree having published more
than 1,200 academic papers -
helping to build an evidence base
to improve clinical practice. He
has also contributed significantly
to improving the health of ethnic
minority communities and has led
a body of research throughout the
pandemic, becoming a member
of Scientific Advisory Group for
Emergencies (SAGE), Chair of the
SAGE Ethnic Sub-panel and being
one of the very first to spot the
disproportional impact of COVID-19
on people from ethnic minorities.
Professor Khunti is Co-Director
of the Leicester Diabetes Centre
(LDC) team with more than 180
people currently carrying out
studies designed to improve the
lives of people with diabetes. The
LDC is recognised across the world
for its leading research, education
and innovation. Commenting at
the event, he said, "I am humbled
and deeply honoured to receive
this prestigious honorary degree
from the University of Dundee as
it bridges the past and present in a
remarkable way. To be recognised
by the university that nurtured
my early medical aspirations is an
indescribable privilege."