Royal College honours top clinical scientist

28 Jun 2024

Professor Nachi Chockalingam, a renowned biomedical engineer and scientist, has been conferred as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Professor Chockalingam is a distinguished academic who holds positions at Staffordshire University, the University of Central Lancashire and Birmingham University in the UK and at the University of Malta and Sri Ramachandra University, India. He is a freeman of the City of London and a court assistant at the Worshipful Company of Engineers.

He received the Honorary Fellowship at a Diploma Ceremony at the College on Tuesday (18 June).

He said: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to be nominated and to receive this honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. This recognition is a testament not only to my work, but to the countless clinicians who have supported and collaborated with me over the past 30 years of my research journey. It feels particularly fitting to receive this award, as my research quest began here in Scotland, making this moment a heart-warming return to where it all started.”

The award was presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine, David Wylie, who said: I am delighted to welcome Nachi as an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine. He epitomises the multidisciplinary ethos of the College and his inclusive approach to exploring and researching lower limb biomechanics has inspired and supported the development of our profession across his career”

Professor Chockalingam’s work encompasses all aspects of human form and function, focusing on technologies and techniques for the clinical assessment of musculoskeletal conditions. He has published more than 300 manuscripts and edited three books alongside numerous abstracts, book chapters and lectures.  

He began his career in biomechanics in 1990, gaining a degree in electronics and instrumentation engineering from Annamalai University in India. Following this, he travelled to Scotland and achieved an MSc in biomedical engineering from the University of Dundee and later a PhD from Staffordshire University. Before joining the university as a professor in 1998, he trained at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and undertook a research fellowship at the Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai, India, where he established a gait analysis facility.

Since then, he has gained international recognition for his work to advance science, engineering, and medicine. Alongside his academic work, he has contributed extensively to the development of Staffordshire University’s Research Ethics and Governance process and the activities of the University Professoriate. His current work focuses on translational research, with interest areas in evidence-based practice, innovative design and technology for both athletic and prescription footwear, effective lower limb orthotic intervention and aetiopathology of scoliosis.

His expertise in clinical, academic, and industrial sectors has led him to collaborate on international policy and play a key role in projects with non-governmental organisations in the areas of orthotics and assistive technology. This includes leading a project with the World Health Organisation and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics to support the development of Standards for Prosthetics and Orthotics Service Provision.

He holds fellowships at various professional institutions, including the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, the International Society of Biomechanics, and an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Podiatry. He is also a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

As an avid scientific author himself, he is also Editor in Chief of the Foot Journal and an Associate Editor for the ‘Footwear Science’, ‘Prosthetics and Orthotics International’, ‘Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering’ and ‘Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Conditions’ journals.

Professor Chockalingam has played a pivotal role in bringing various allied health professionals to the wider biomechanics and medical engineering community. He advocates for multi and interdisciplinary research, promotes gender equality and makes every effort to support students and young researchers. He is involved in charitable and non-profit organisations to help the wider global community with healthy ageing and assistive technology to aid mobility.

He joined the College’s newest Fellows and Members in the College Hall, to celebrate the achievements of physicians, surgeons, dentists, travel and podiatric medicine professionals.

Category: College