Bedfordshire academic appointed as WHO Expert on Donation and Transplantation

Through this appointment, Professor Randhawa- Professor of Diversity in Public Health and Director of the Institute for Health Researchat the University - will work alongside international experts to help inform WHO guidance, share best practice across countries, and support efforts to address disparities in organ donation and transplantation.

Professor Randhawa began his pioneering research more than three decades ago when he was commissioned by The King's Fund to undertake the world's first study examining barriers and facilitators to organ donation and transplantation among different ethnic and faith communities. That landmark work revealed widespread lack of knowledge and cultural taboos surrounding organ donation, as well as the crucial role of faith perspectives. Professor Randhawa and European colleagues are continuing their work with faith leaders at international level through work with the Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life to discuss how best to engage in faith and cultural support to promote dialogue in relation to organ donation.

His subsequent analysis of UK transplant waiting lists has demonstrated that minority ethnic patients are disproportionately over-represented yet less likely to become organ donors - findings that have influenced policy and practice for more than two decades.

Speaking about this appointment, Professor Randhawa said: "It is a fantastic honour to be appointed to the World Health Organization's Expert Advisory Panel on Organ Donation and Transplantation. I hope to contribute to ensure more people around the world can benefit from the life-transforming and life-saving impact of a transplant."

Professor Randhawa also serves as Director of the Organ Donor and Transplant Research Centreand has previously served on numerous high-level advisory and policy groups including the Prime Minister's Organ Donation Taskforce, the UK Donation Ethics Committee, Academic Advisor to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ethnicity, Transplantation and Transfusion.

He also supports a university-wide initiativeworking with student ambassadors to increase awareness of organ donation among minority ethnic communities. The project empowers students to lead culturally informed conversations, promote dialogue across campus, and encourage registration as organ donors.

Professor Andrew Church, Interim Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: "Professor Randhawa's appointment is an incredible achievement and a testament to his global leadership in public health and organ donation. His expertise, vision, and commitment to equity embody the University's mission to transform lives through research and innovation. We are very proud to see his work recognised at the highest international level."