Research scientist recognised for contribution to Welsh society

Award-winning Cardiff University research scientist, Dr Ahmed Ali, has been included on a list of 100 outstanding black Welsh people.

Compiled by the Western Mail for Black History Month, the list celebrates the outstanding contribution African Caribbean and African Welsh people have made to Welsh society, with each of those listed having been chosen for their extraordinary commitment and contributions to public life, science, health, education, the arts, sport, business or equal rights.

Based in the School of Biosciences, Dr Ali specialises in the chemistry of plants indigenous to the Horn of Africa and his scientific discoveries range from new garden pest repellents to anti-cancer agents, both based on Somali myrrh extracts, and an anti-inflammatory agent based on Somali frankincense.

Born and raised in Newport, Dr Ali set up a herbal biotech company in Cardiff to continue creating new innovations, and aims to create a manufacturing base for his novel innovative botanical extracts in Wales.

Commenting on his inclusion on the list, Dr Ali said,

"It’s a great honour to be included in the list of Black scientists that have contributed to Wales. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and support of my collaborating colleagues at Cardiff University, most notably Dr Emma Blain, Professor Vic Duance and Professor Ifor Bowen. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Compton Group, a Welsh SME that has sponsored my research over the past 18 years."

Professor Jim Murray, Head of the School of Biosciences, congratulated Dr Ali on his achievement.

“We warmly congratulate Ahmed on his success and the recognition of his contribution to wider Welsh society. His work reflects the School’s wider interest in developing applications of biological research to the benefit of society and the economy, and of our drive to make impacts that improve lives both in Wales and around the globe”