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UM academic awarded fellowship through Distinction

Dr Sarah Cuschieri, a senior lecturer at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, has been elected to Fellowship through Distinction of the Faculty of Public Health (UK), one of the highest recognitions awarded by the organisation. The distinction is conferred on individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the science, literature, or practice of public health.

The fellowship recognises Dr Cuschieri’s work in population health and non-communicable disease epidemiology, with a particular focus on diabetes, obesity, and metabolic health. Her research has contributed to advancing the understanding of chronic disease patterns within Malta and internationally, while supporting the development of prevention strategies and public health policy.

Dr Cuschieri was nominated for the fellowship by Professor Gauden Galea, Honorary Professor at University of Malta and Former Strategic Advisor on NCDs and Innovation, WHO/Europe and Professor Martin McKee of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, both internationally recognised leaders in public health.

The Faculty of Public Health (UK) is the professional membership body for public health specialists and works to advance public health knowledge and practice internationally. Dr Cuschieri’s fellowship reflects both her contributions to the field and the growing role of Malta-based research in addressing global public health challenges.

At the University of Malta, Dr Cuschieri leads the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Research Network (CDERN), a research initiative dedicated to advancing knowledge on the burden and determinants of chronic diseases, particularly in small states and island populations. CDERN brings together multidisciplinary collaborations and provides research training opportunities for medical students, who participate in projects as research interns, gaining hands-on experience in epidemiological research, data analysis, and scientific dissemination.

Among the initiatives currently underway is NEXT-FOOD-MT, a national study examining food environments and their influence on dietary behaviours and metabolic health. The project aims to generate evidence on how food availability, accessibility, and environmental factors shape nutritional choices and health outcomes, particularly among younger populations. NEXT-FOOD-MT is financed by Xjenza Malta, through the ‘R&I Thematic Programmes: Obesity Research Programme” in collaboration with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing.

Through its research activities and student engagement, CDERN seeks to strengthen Malta’s capacity in chronic disease research, prevention, and evidence-based health policy, while supporting the next generation of clinician-researchers.