Professor Mirela Delibegovic has been elected to Scotland's prestigious learned organisation, The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).
Professor Delibegovic is a world-leading scientist in diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as evidenced by her top-ranking publications, extensive research portfolio, academic standing and international reputation. She is the chair/co-chair on several grant funding committees and is also an international keynote speaker.
She joined the University of Aberdeen in 2007 and has held a number of research and teaching roles since then.
Professor Delibegovic is currently Chair in Diabetic Medicine and Director of Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre. In 2019, she was appointed Dean of Research (Industrial Engagement and Knowledge Transfer) at the University.
She is one of 80 new fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh across the arts, business, public service, civic society and academia including award-winning singer, songwriter and activist Annie Lennox OBE and Mark Logan, the former Skyscanner Chief Operating Officer (COO) for his business expertise.
Professor Delibegovic said: “I am extremely pleased to have been elected a Fellow of the RSE in recognition of my dedication to improving knowledge in the field of diabetes and helping others.
“An important part of my work is mentoring early career researchers and championing women scientists and I hope that this recognition will inspire others about what is possible.”
Professor Delibegovic, who is also the winner of many Public Engagement Awards, joins the RSE’s current Fellowship of around 1,700 Fellows, who are recognised as being some of the greatest thinkers, researchers and practitioners working in or with Scotland today.
Potential fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh are nominated in recognition of outstanding contributions to their field and achievement in public service.
New Fellows are then elected through a rigorous nomination process. They are drawn from a range of sectors including the arts, business, science and technology and academia with the purpose of offering expertise to support the advancement of learning and useful knowledge in Scottish public life.
In pursuit of its aim of the advancement of useful knowledge, as well as in accordance with its Royal Charter and charitable status, the RSE provides: independent advice to Government and Parliament; research and enterprise Fellowships; education programmes for young people; and conferences and events aimed at both public engagement and specialists.
Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, said: “I am delighted that Professor Delibegovic has been made a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in recognition of her outstanding expertise and commitment to contributing in the field of medicine. I would like to offer her my warmest congratulations.”
Professor Sir John Ball, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, said: “It is a privilege to be able to welcome our new Fellows, and we are inspired by the breadth of talent and experience in our Fellowship. Every single individual elected this year has shown exceptional levels of expertise and insight in their chosen field, and their input helps RSE effect real and lasting change in Scotland’s society.
“We look forward to working with our diverse Fellowship who provide a crucial link between the world of academic research and practice with government, business and civil society”.
The new Fellows will be inducted in May. More information on the current membership and the work of the RSE can be found here.