Federation researcher earns global recognition for public health impact

A career focused on preventing disease and improving population health has earned Federation University public health leader Professor Dr Muhammad Aziz Rahman international recognition for translating research into practical health outcomes for communities.

He has been awarded the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) Global Collaboration and Community Impact Award for 2026, which recognises academics from more than 40 universities across 15 countries, whose work delivers tangible benefits for people and communities.

Professor Rahman’s research spans tobacco and vaping trends, including their impact on young people and rural communities, as well as the burden and management of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

He also focuses on the health challenges faced by disadvantaged and migrant populations and has led international studies examining mental health and resilience during global crises.

A current project is addressing indoor air pollution in Bangladesh and Pakistan — an urgent and often overlooked health risk. Partnering with local universities, his team has launched community campaigns to raise awareness of the hidden dangers of indoor air pollution from cooking and passive smoking exposure. He is also researching the impact of discrimination among staff and students in universities worldwide.

“Strong global partnerships are essential to tackling shared health challenges, particularly in communities that are often overlooked,” Professor Rahman said.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see research translated into action that directly benefits communities and it’s an honour to have that work recognised by an international network like WUACD.”

Federation has also been recognised with the WUACD’s Student Mobility Award for a long-running international program led by Professor Rahman.

Over the past four years, students have visited Airlangga University in Surabaya, Indonesia, where they learn about the key factors that influence health and wellbeing and engage with communities, healthcare providers and government officials to better understand how health systems operate in areas with fewer healthcare resources. The program was initially supported by the New Colombo Plan and now continues with strong support from the host university.

Professor Rahman began his career as a medical doctor treating patients, but a defining realisation reshaped his professional path: while treating disease is vital, preventing it has a far greater impact on public health.

Seeking broader impact, he moved from clinical care into public health, focusing on prevention, workforce development and global research.

“I respected the clinical work of treating illness, but I realised much more can be achieved by preventing disease before it occurs,” Professor Dr Rahman said.

“Working directly with communities allows for a far broader reach. It shifted my focus from individual care to prevention on a larger scale – to have a global impact.”

The WUACD is an international network that connects universities committed to driving community development through research, partnership and education.

Through the WUACD network, Professor Rahman has expanded Federation’s international engagement. Over the past two years, he has served as the group’s Coordinator for Health and Environment, leading key international work.

He has also been ranked among the world’s top two per cent of scientists by Stanford University for six consecutive years, with that recognition linked to his global collaborative research activities.

His approach also includes a strong focus on global mentoring. Alongside his academic responsibilities, Professor Rahman regularly delivers international workshops for early-career researchers, supports organisations to assess their own health needs, and helps build long-term approaches to public health advocacy.

The award was presented at the WUACD Summit 2026 in Bali, Indonesia.