Professor Xiaofei Zhang, a highly accomplished health professional and alumnus of the University of Newcastle, has been awarded the Life Science Award at the 2024 Australia China Alumni Awards (ACAA).
The world leader in the field of non-communicable diseases received this honour at a gala dinner in Beijing on Saturday evening.
Established in 2009, these awards recognise achievements of local and expatriate graduates of Australian universities. These awards are highly competitive and open to all graduates of Australian universities living in China. The award recognises Professor Zhang's significant contribution to the field of non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular epidemiology.
Prior to being awarded a PhD (Community Medicine & Clinical Epidemiology) by the University of Newcastle in 2006, Professor Zhang completed a Bachelor of Medicine at Jilin University in 1986, and a Master of Medical Science and Epidemiology at Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) in 1992.
Since beginning his career as a research assistant at PUMC in 1986, he has worked in a range of roles in hospitals and universities across China, the USA and Australia.
Professor Zhang's work and contribution in cardiovascular epidemiology has been recognised at international and national levels. He is a regular presenter at international conferences and a prolific publisher.
Professor Xiaofei Zhang is now a Professor in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Director of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Tsinghua Beijing Changgung Hospital, Medical Center of Tsinghua University.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global), Professor Kent Anderson said it was a proud moment for the University to once again see Professor Zhang recognised on a global stage.
"Recognition through awards like the ACAA highlights the remarkable achievements of our alumni and showcases their impressive reach and influence on a global scale.
"I extend my congratulations to Professor Zhang for his innovative work, and I am proud that the University contributed to his impressive journey," Professor Anderson said.
In 2017, Professor Zhang was the first alumnus from the University of Newcastle to receive the prestigious title of Australia China Alumni of the Year at the Australia China Alumni Awards.
The University of Newcastle also extends its congratulations to two innovative alumni and ACAA award finalists, Mr Steven Greig and Dr Wai Ming Patrick Ng.
Steven, who co-hosted the gala event, was also honored with a Social Influence Medal on the celebratory evening.
This distinguished business professional completed a Bachelor of Education in 1995 and a Master of Marketing in 1998 at the University of Newcastle. With over 30 years of experience in management, sales and marketing, Steven currently holds the title of Chief China Representative of DMG Fine Wine.
