Citation

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Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is an eminent scientist, paediatrician, and global health leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped medical research, health policy, and international public health initiatives. As the inaugural Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), she played a defining role in strengthening WHO’s scientific vision, establishing the Science Division with a focus on research, digital health, and the quality assurance of norms and standards. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in coordinating WHO’s global scientific efforts and played a key role in the establishment of COVAX, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.

Soumya Swaminathan has been a tireless advocate for translating scientific evidence into impactful health policies and programs. As Secretary to the Government of India for Health Research and Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (2015–2017), she championed the integration of science into policymaking, strengthened research capacity in India’s medical institutions, and fostered South-South collaborations in health sciences. Her leadership extended to the global stage during her tenure as Coordinator of the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases in Geneva (2009–2011).

Dr. Swaminathan has published over 450peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She is a Fellow of the US National Academy of Medicine, the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, and all major science academies in India. She has been recognized with multiple honorary doctorates, including from EPFL Lausanne and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.  

This D.Litt. is in recognition of her exceptional contributions to global and national public health, medical research, and health policy, and for her unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge for the betterment of society.

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Vice-Chancellor

TDU