Diabetes Researcher Wins Kelly M. West Award

Mohammed K. Ali, MD, co-director of the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center and the William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health at Emory University, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Kelly M. West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Epidemiology from the American Diabetes Association. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of diabetes epidemiology and is named for pioneering epidemiologist Kelly M. West.

“For years, I have looked up to and learned from prior Kelly West awardees, all of whom have profoundly influenced the field of diabetes,” Ali said. “The agenda and challenges of preventing diabetes and its complications remain substantial. This recognition reflects the collaborative team science at the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, which I hope will propel us to even greater impact in improving metabolic health globally.”

A Leading Voice in Diabetes Research

Ali is the William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health and professor of epidemiology at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, co-director of the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, and vice chair of research in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine.

His research focuses on cardiometabolic health—including diabetes, obesity, and related conditions—as well as health care delivery, preventive services, and implementation science. From 2010 to 2025, Ali served as a scientific advisor to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Diabetes Translation. He has also contributed to major reports for the World Health Organization, World Bank, International Diabetes Federation, and the National Academy of Medicine, where he is an elected member. Ali is also a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

Continuing Emory's Tradition of Research Excellence

Ali’s recognition continues a strong record of leadership in diabetes research at Emory. Previous Kelly M. West Award recipients with Emory ties include K. M. Venkat Narayan, professor of global health and epidemiology at Emory, and Edward Gregg, who previously held an adjunct faculty appointment at Rollins.

Other American Diabetes Association recognitions among Emory faculty include Guillermo E. Umpierrez, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at Emory University School of Medicine, who received the Outstanding Physician-Clinician Award and served as president of the American Diabetes Association.

Ali delivered the Kelly M. West Award Lecture at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in June 2026. View the full lecture here.