On 29 April, Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh OBE gave his inaugural lecture, marking his appointment as Nuffield Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences and Head of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford.
Titled ‘Catalysing the Data-enabled Transformation of Health - Globally’, the lecture took place at Oxford’s historic Examination Schools, and was hosted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey CBE. She introduced the event by celebrating the Department’s practical impact on health care, its values driven and inclusive culture and the significance of Professor Sheikh’s leadership at a time of global change and opportunity.
Bringing together colleagues, collaborators and health leaders from across the world of medicine, the event offered a chance to reflect on Professor Sheikh’s journey in medicine and research - to hear his vision for transforming health care through data, innovation and inclusivity. The lecture traced Professor Sheikh's personal and professional path - from his early life in Karachi, Pakistan, to growing up in East London, training in medicine at UCL, and building an academic career focused on improving health care.
Apparent throughout was the strong influence that family, community, and an unwavering belief in equity have had for Professor Sheikh. He spoke movingly about the people and experiences that have shaped his work, sharing candid insights from his formative years and reflecting openly on his journey, one he likened to a rikshaw ride - not always comfortable or straight forward, but survivable and lively, nonetheless.
Moving to talk further about his work and vision for the Department, Professor Sheikh discussed the promise of data science to revolutionise health care - making it more proactive, equitable and responsive around the world. Drawing on decades of research in primary care, health informatics and policy, and touching on some of the most exciting developments in health care, Professor Sheikh explored how large-scale data can help prevent illness, guide clinical decision-making, and support more joined-up and resilient health systems globally.
The event drew a distinguished international audience, including senior figures in health and science, such as Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Sir Mark Walport, former Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, and Dr Rupa Sarkar, Editor in Chief, The Lancet Digital Health. Members of Professor Sheikh’s extended family also joined the celebrations to mark his new role at the University of Oxford.
A celebratory dinner at St Hilda’s College followed, with toasts from Professor Sheikh’s son Aadam, his wife Sangeeta, and Professor Tracey, plus warm words and well wishes from Professor Andrew Morris CBE, Professor of Medicine and Vice Principal of Data Science, University of Edinburgh, and Professor Zulfi Butta, University of Toronto. Their reflections made clear that Professor Sheikh’s achievements extend far beyond his research - encompassing partnership, leadership, and a deep commitment for improving health for all.
Watch the full video of the lecture.