UTM’s Ghazal Fazli named inaugural Novo Nordisk Research Chair in Social and Environmental Determinants of Health

Ghazal Fazli, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), has been named the inaugural Novo Nordisk Research Chair in Social and Environmental Determinants of Health. 

The appointment is part of U of T’s Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations, which brings together researchers with community members and stakeholders in Peel Region to tackle diabetes and related chronic conditions.

Fazli has served as the network’s lead in education and training and is a member of the scientific advisory committee. In her new role, she plans to address the systemic contributors to Type 2 diabetes by partnering with communities to support prevention, improve early detection and influence policies that reduce health inequities.

Based in UTM’s department of geography, geomatics and environment, Fazli’s research explores the impact of social, community and environmental determinants of prediabetes and diabetes, with an emphasis on immigrant and underserved populations. 

An epidemiologist by training, Fazli is interested in research and policy initiatives that improve well-being and quality of life across the lifespan. She recently gained recognition for her work examining how the built environment in Peel affects health outcomes.

An adjunct scientist at ICES, Ontario’s health research institute, she has received awards and grants from organizations including Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Diabetes Action Canada and U of T’s Banting and Best Diabetes Centre.

Fazli’s appointment advances the mission of the Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations, which was established in 2021 through a landmark $20-million donation from Novo Nordisk Canada to U of T. 

The interdisciplinary research network based at UTM aims to reduce the burden of diabetes and related cardiometabolic conditions by finding new ways to support healthier urban populations.

It brings together researchers from UTM, the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine to collaborate on solutions with real-world impact.

This is the third research chair established through the network, joining the Research Chair in Equitable Care of Diabetes and Related Conditions at Temerty Medicine and the Research Professorship in Health Equity of Chronic Illness Prevention at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.