“As scientists, we don’t always see the immediate effects of our work,” said Reading graduate Dr Israa Shatwan. “But every study, every student, every collaboration – it all adds up. And it started for me at Reading.”
Dr Israa Shatwan embarked on a “transformative journey” from lecturing at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia to pursuing a PhD in food and nutritional sciences at the University of Reading.
Having been shortlisted for the 2025 Study UK Alumni Awards, Dr Shatwan, shares her pioneering research into nutrition and genetics, alongside her commitment to mentorship and community impact.
An invaluable experience
When Dr Shatwan arrived at Reading, what she found was more than a rigorous academic programme. She explained: “Reading provided a vibrant and research-focused environment that fostered innovation and critical thinking.
“Attending the Food and Nutritional Sciences PhD Students’ conference was a particular highlight. It was an incredible experience to connect and share my research with other students from around the world.”
During her time at Reading, Dr Shatwan co-authored six peer-reviewed papers with her supervisors, honing her skills in designing comprehensive studies that address critical nutrition issues. She said:
“My time at Reading proved instrumental in shaping my ability to navigate the intricate world of academic publishing.”
That training proved invaluable when she returned to Saudi Arabia after completing her PhD, where she has now published 19 articles in respected scientific journals. Her research has tackled everything from the effects of climate change on nutrition, to dietary habits among university students.
But her most groundbreaking project has been the Saudi Nutrigenetics Study, a pioneering investigation into how genetic factors influence the development of obesity and diabetes in the Saudi population. Funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Abdulaziz University, the study has already produced two manuscripts currently under peer review.
A community of thinkers
Dr Shatwan’s work doesn’t stop at the lab bench. Throughout her studies and since returning to Saudi Arabia, she has been a committed mentor to students and fellow researchers.
“As a mentor to students and early-career researchers, I provide guidance based on my experiences of studying abroad. I offer advice on navigating academic challenges, developing research projects, and effectively communicating research findings. My aim is to inspire and support people in anyway I can to help them reach their goals,” Dr Shatwan shared.
With the support of Dr Shatwan, four students went on to have publications in high-impact journals – one of whom was actively involved in the nutrigenetics study.
Israa ensures her mentoring sessions are impactful by sharing her own experiences of studying in the UK. “Reading played a pivotal role in shaping my academic success and research achievements in several ways,” she said.
“Interacting with leading scholars and researchers in the field of nutrigenetics really broadened my perspectives and encouraged me to push the boundaries of knowledge. There was a real focus on academic excellence, rigorous training, and structured and diverse learning programmes which equipped me with the necessary tools to conduct my own research.”
Additionally, an international perspective is what, she believes, makes the UK education unique:
“Studying in the UK exposed me to a diverse international community which enriched my cultural awareness and gave me a global perspective on nutrition and genetics that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. This exposure to different perspectives and approaches really broadened my research horizons.”
Study UK Alumni Awards
Israa’s efforts within her field and community haven’t gone unnoticed. She was recently shortlisted for the Study UK Alumni Awards – an honour that recognises UK university alumni, who are living outside of the UK and who have inspirational success stories, across four award categories: Science and Sustainability, Culture and Creativity, Social Action, and Business Innovation.
Israa was shortlisted for the 2025 Science and Sustainability category for her remarkable research and commitment to future learners.
“Being shortlisted for this award was a honour and meant a great deal to me. It is a recognition of my journey and achievements, and it fills me with pride to have studied at one of the UK’s top universities.”
“As scientists, we don’t always see the immediate effects of our work,” she said. “But every study, every student, every collaboration – it all adds up. And it started for me at Reading.”
Apply now
The Study UK Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of international UK alumni worldwide, who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their communities, industries, and countries.
The Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 call for applications is open. The deadline to apply is Thursday 16 October 2025.
