Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Consultant Cardiologist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), has been awarded one of the city’s highest civic honours.
He was presented with a City of Leicester Civic Award by Leicester’s Deputy Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Bhupen Dave on Wednesday 18 February. The award celebrates individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting difference to people in Leicester and beyond.
Professor Samani, who has spent more than five decades living and working in Leicester, said he was deeply touched by the honour. The recognition is especially poignant as the nomination was made by longstanding Councillor and former Lord Mayor Manjula Sood, who passed away last year.
Professor Samani said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award. To be given such recognition from the city which has been home for me and my family for over 50 years and in which I have dedicated my working life, is extremely humbling.
“To have been nominated by Councillor Sood makes it even more special because of her own trailblazing achievements within Leicester.
“My clinical work and research has in many ways attempted to be just that – pioneering – for the benefit of others and I hope it has made and will continue to make a difference to people in Leicester and beyond for many more years to come.
“I am proud of my achievements to advance medical practice alongside hugely talented and dedicated colleagues who work hard every day to help save lives.”
Born in Kenya, Professor Samani moved to Leicester in 1971 and later joined the very first intake of Leicester Medical School students in 1975. After graduating with distinction in 1981, he went on to become a consultant cardiologist at the Glenfield Hospital in 1993, helping establish its reputation as a leading cardiac centre.
His commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine led to his appointment as Professor of Cardiology at the University of Leicester in 1997. He was also appointed British Heart Foundation (BHF) Chair in Cardiology in 2003, before serving as the BHF’s Medical Director from 2016 to 2023.
Over 32 years, Professor Samani has treated thousands of patients and trained countless clinicians. His internationally respected research into the genetic causes of heart attacks and high blood pressure has resulted in more than 650 published papers, making him one of the most cited cardiovascular scientists in the world.
Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “Professor Sir Nilesh Samani has dedicated his career to improving care for patients and strengthening services for our communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. His commitment to clinical excellence, research and education has helped shape cardiac services locally and nationally, and his impact can be felt through the thousands of patients he has supported and the many clinicians he has inspired.
“We are proud to see him recognised with this award. It reflects not only his exceptional achievements, but also the values we strive for across UHL – compassion, innovation and a deep sense of service to the people we provide care for every day.”
Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Bhupen Dave warmly congratulated Professor Samani calling him a “tremendous advocate for Leicester” for creating a “lasting and positive impact on the lives of so many people.”
City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby added: “The City of Leicester Award was introduced to honour and recognise trailblazers like Nilesh.”
Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester said: “We are hugely proud of the many amazing achievements Professor Samani has made throughout his time here at the University and beyond.
“From taking his first steps into a long and successful medical career as a young student at Leicester Medical School to his Professorship and Doctorate award – he is a fantastic representation of everything we strive for – a Citizen of Change making huge differences to the world around him for the benefit of others. This award is truly deserved, and I offer my warmest congratulations on behalf of the University and colleagues.”