Chunxiao Li

Dr Chunxiao Li

MB BS MSc PhD

Chunxiao is an epidemiology researcher specialising in understanding how genetic and behavioural factors influence type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders and advancing population health through preventive approaches. Chunxiao is a Junior Research Fellow at Wolfson College.

Chunxiao Li

Chunxiao received her bachelor’s degree in Preventive Medicine from Shandong University and a master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Peking University in China. In 2018, she started her PhD at Cambridge under the supervision of Professor Nick Wareham, investigating the association between meat consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes based on a global network of cohorts of more than 1.5 million participants. Additionally, Chunxiao has studied disease aetiology by leveraging the potential of diverse multi-omics data. Chunxiao was a Jardine Cambridge Scholar between 2018 and 2022.

Chunxiao is now a Research Associate at the MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge.

Chunxiao’s research interests are in the aetiology and prevention of type 2 diabetes, particularly in the Middle Eastern population, where prevalence is exceptionally high, yet evidence is scarce. Her research focuses on uncovering modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes and assessing their interplay with genetic predispositions through traditional epidemiological data, multi-omics (genetics, metabolomics, and proteomics), and linked electronic health records. Based on her research evidence, Chunxiao is determined to identify early intervention opportunities, develop preventive strategies, and design interventional studies for high-risk individuals. By doing so, she believes the huge economic and disease burden associated with type 2 diabetes can be mitigated substantially.

What's on

A triptych of abstract images: a smooth round stone nestled in a curved rock, distorted eyeglass frames scattered on a white background, and a high-contrast black and white microscopic image resembling organic or cellular structures.

Art Exhibition: Wolfson at 60

19/07/2025 at 10.00

Celebrating Wolfson’s 60th anniversary year, this exhibition highlights the range of artistic disciplines and styles that have made up our exhibitions over the years.

View more
person takes a photo of a graduand wearing a black gown along with family members.

Graduation Ceremony

26/07/2025 at 09.00

Graduation ceremonies are the culmination of students’ hard work and commitment, and a moment to celebrate the completion of their Cambridge degree.

View more
A diverse group of people sits in rows of chairs, attentively listening during an indoor event or lecture.

Research Appetisers

05/08/2025 at 18.00

Come and hear our part-time students talk about their research at this informal evening of short presentations and friendly discussion.

View more
Wolfson College main drive in Autumn

Open Cambridge - Tree Trail

06/09/2025 at 10.00

A self-guided Tree Trail around the beautiful and varied garden 'rooms' of the grounds at Wolfson College.

View more
A handwritten poem on a black sign is mounted to a tree trunk, inviting readers to embrace the mysterious calm of evening dew.

Open Cambridge - Poetry Trail

12/09/2025 at 10.00

Follow our self-guided trail through the College gardens which feature extracts of poetry written by Wolfson members from our latest WolfWords poetry anthology, press play. 

View more
Show all

News

Show all