 My name is Meena Upadia. I'm the honorary professor of medical genetics at Cardiff University. I am the first female British Indian professor in medical genetics in the UK. My first project was prenatal diagnosis for genetic conditions in the first trimester of pregnancy. So my research allowed women to make reproductive choices. I have researched on two main conditions, namely neurofibromatosis type 1 in short NF1 and a muscular dystrophy called FACIA scapulohumeral muscular dystrophy FSSD. And we have been trying to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with malignancy. I was one of the finalists in 2008 for the Welsh Women of the Achievement Award. I looked around and realized that Asian women were underrepresented at this ceremony. At that point I decided to set up awards specifically for Asian women. I feel privileged and honored to be nominated for the Sandeavids Award. I've been privileged to get an opportunity to make a difference to people's lives either through my research or through my community work.