A senior public health figure who helped strengthen the country’s use of data during the COVID-19 pandemic has been awarded an honorary doctorate by University of the West of Scotland.

Manira Ahmad, Chief Officer at Public Health Scotland, received the honorary degree of Doctor of the University during UWS’s summer graduation ceremony at Paisley Abbey on Wednesday 8 July.

The award recognises Manira’s contribution to public health, civic leadership and efforts to build a healthier, fairer and more equitable Scotland.

Since 2015, Manira has helped change how data is used across health and social care, helping to support decisions that affect communities across the country. That work became critical in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she played a key role in expanding national data intelligence functions at a time of exceptional pressure on public services.

In her role at Public Health Scotland, Manira works across major national programmes focused on improving health, reducing inequality and ensuring public services are shaped around the needs and experiences of communities.

Alongside her national role, Manira contributes to civic and educational life through mentoring, guest lecturing and work with organisations that support minority ethnic women, young people, communities and anti-racism.

Speaking after receiving the Honorary Doctorate, Manira Ahmad said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a commitment to public service, tackling inequalities, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. This recognition reflects not only my own journey, but the collective efforts of the many colleagues, partners, communities, and mentors I have had the privilege to work alongside. I am particularly proud to receive this honour from a university whose values of inclusion, opportunity, and social impact align so closely with my own. I hope it inspires students and future leaders to be courageous, compassionate, and committed to creating positive change for others.”

I am particularly proud to receive this honour from a university whose values of inclusion, opportunity, and social impact align so closely with my own. I hope it inspires students and future leaders to be courageous, compassionate, and committed to creating positive change for others.

Manira Ahmad

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “Graduation stands as one of the University's most significant celebrations, recognising the hard work, determination and success of our students. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the encouragement, guidance and support provided by families, friends and the wider UWS community throughout their time at UWS. 

“Manira’s leadership reflects her values of inclusion, collaboration and making a meaningful difference – values that are close to our hearts at UWS. We are delighted to recognise her achievements with this honorary degree and to celebrate the example she sets for our students and graduates.”

Manira’s leadership reflects her values of inclusion, collaboration and making a meaningful difference – values that are close to our hearts at UWS.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

UWS honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, culture, public life or the communities the University serves.

The award was presented during UWS’s summer graduations at Paisley Abbey, where students from the School of Health and Life Sciences celebrated their academic achievements with family, friends and supporters.

Manira’s work strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.