UKZN Diabetes Expert Honoured with Special Award at Diabetes Asia 2024 Conference

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Professor Shahidul Islam, a Full Professor in Biochemistry and Academic Leader of the Biotechnology Cluster (Westville campus) within the School of Life Sciences, has received the prestigious and solo Special Award on Basic Research category at the Diabetes Asia 2024 Conference held from 17-19 October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This award is a testament to Professor Islam’s pioneering research and outstanding contributions to the field of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Islam’s award came in recognition of his presentation on the “Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds on Diabetic Complications”, which was selected from about 30 distinguished oral presentations. His research, which delves into the therapeutic potentials of natural bioactive compounds from South African seaweeds for managing diabetes and its associated complications, stood out among a highly competitive field of international researchers.

The Diabetes Asia conference is one of the largest global platforms for diabetes research and featured prominent speakers and experts from around the world.

As a researcher with more than 20 years of experience, Islam’s work focuses on the development of innovative solutions for type 2 diabetes and obesity. His research spans various approaches, including but not limited to the development of novel and alternative animal model of type 2 diabetes and obesity, the investigation of the antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic effects of medicinal and functional foods, natural and artificial sugar substitutes, medicinal plant extracts, fractions and their isolated pure compounds, synthesised pure compounds as well underlying molecular mechanism of actions.

By exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying these substances’ effects, he is uncovering the potential pathways for novel therapeutic interventions in diabetes management. Because of the global impact nature of his research, Islam could successfully attract research collaborators from around the world including, but not limited to the USA, Australia, China, Switzerland, India, Japan, Nigeria, Tanzania and many more countries.

‘I am honoured to receive this award,’ said Islam. ‘It reflects not only the hard work of my research team but also the broader global effort to find sustainable, natural treatments for one of the most pressing global public health challenges of our time. This recognition motivates me to continue advancing research in this important area for the rest of my life.’

Islam’s path to this achievement has been shaped by an impressive academic career. He completed his BSc (Hons) and MSc in Biochemistry at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, before pursuing a PhD in Nutritional Science at Okayama University in Japan. His postdoctoral research took him to institutions in South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland and India. These international experiences broadened his expertise and positioned him as a leader in the field of diabetes and metabolic disease research. Consequently, he has been appointed as a Co-Editor-in-Chief of the World Journal of Diabetes along with two others from Australia and USA since 2021.

In addition to his research, Professor Islam is a dedicated educator and mentor, having supervised numerous postgraduate students at UKZN. His commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers has earned him multiple accolades, including the Distinguished Teachers’ Award in 2015 and several Top 30 Researcher awards from UKZN in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Due to his excellent and wider spread contribution at UKZN in research, teaching, and leadership, he was recently declared as the 2025 Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which is one of the top-most honours for an academic at this Institution.

Islam’s significant contributions to scientific knowledge are reflected in his extensive publication record, with over 220 research articles and 14 book chapters to his name. His work is widely cited, and his influence extends globally through his roles as an editor and reviewer for numerous high-impact journals in the fields of pharmacology, nutrition and diabetes research.

His research also highlights the growing importance of alternative therapies in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes. The use of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, which was a key focus of his award-winning presentation, is part of a broader trend in the scientific exploration of natural products as viable therapeutic options. With diabetes affecting millions worldwide, Professor Islam’s work offers hope for developing more effective, accessible and sustainable treatments.

Islam’s award is not only a personal achievement but also brings international recognition to UKZN as a hub for cutting-edge research in the life sciences. It adds to his impressive list of honours, including recognition from the Korean Endocrine Society, the Japan Diabetes Society and the International Diabetes Federation. As a researcher holding a C1 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, he continues to inspire both his peers and students with his dedication to advancing knowledge in the fight against diabetes.

Words: Sally Frost

Photographs: Supplied