JHU Delegation Visits Partners and Potential Collaborators in Pune

On November 21-22, 2024, as part of its broader engagement with India to foster impactful partnerships in healthcare, education, and research, the JHU delegation visited JHU partners and potential collaborators in Pune. During their time in Pune, the delegation was divided into two groups, each focusing on strategic collaborations with leading institutions in the region.

Visit to IISER Pune and CIDI

A group comprising Mr. Raj Gupta & Mrs. Kamla Gupta, GKII Co-founders; Dr. Robert C. Bollinger, Professor of Infectious Diseases at JHU; Dr. Nikhil Gupte from the Center for Infectious Diseases (CIDI) in Pune visited the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, a premier institution dedicated to advanced research and education in basic sciences. The delegation toured the state-of-the-art modular BSL-3 Facility, established on the second floor of the National Facility for Gene Function in Health and Disease building, through the generous support of the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute. This advanced clinical research laboratory is equipped to conduct cutting-edge studies on tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis, diagnostics, and treatment responses, making it a critical resource for national and international research.

Following their visit to IISER, the group proceeded to the proposed construction site for the upcoming state-of-the-art building for the Center for Infectious Diseases (CIDI) in Pune, emphasizing JHU’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in infectious disease research.

Visit to Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical University (DPU)

The second group comprised Dr. Nadia Hansel, Dr. Amita Gupta, Mr. Heath Elliot, Dr. Judd Walson, Dr. Mathuram Santosham, Dr. Chirag Parikh, Dr. Sunil Solomon, Mr. Jon Goldstein, Mr. Kunal Pal, Dr. Vidya Mave, and Dr. Nishi Suryavanshi from CIDI. They visited Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical University (DPU) in Pimpri, Pune, where JHU has maintained a collaboration since 2014. This partnership leverages JHU’s expertise in clinical research, public health, and medical education, alongside DPU’s strengths in healthcare education and local outreach. JHU-DPU collaboration has completed 3 clinical research studies, while 4 are ongoing and 1 is upcoming study. So far 27 students from JHU (19 medical & 8 nursing students) have visited DPU under Global Health Leadership Program of Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health. The delegation visited various departments at DPU, including Pulmonary Medicine, Nephrology, and Pediatrics, to explore potential avenues for expanding the partnership.

Cricket Match and Culinary Delights

After the site visits, the two groups reconvened for a friendly cricket match, fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange. The match was followed by a lunch featuring a variety of local Maharashtrian cuisine, offering a taste of Pune’s rich culinary heritage.

Evening Symposium on Infectious Diseases: The Past, Present, and Future

The day concluded with a scientific symposium organized by CIDI. The symposium featured insightful presentations and a panel discussion:

Key Presentations

  • Dr. Sheela Godbole, Director, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, and Dr. Robert C. Bollinger, Professor of Infectious Diseases at JHU, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between India and JHU in infectious disease research.

Panel Discussion: “Infectious Diseases: The Past, Present, and Future”

Moderated by Dr. Vidya Mave, Co-Director of CIDI, the panel explored India’s journey in infectious diseases and vaccine research, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among government, pharmaceutical, and non-profit organizations.

The panelists included:

  • Ajay Chandanwale, Director of Medical Education and Research (DMER)
  • Amita Gupta, Director, Division of Infectious Diseases at JHU and Co-founder of GKII
  • Sunil Solomon, Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
  • Nadia Hansel, Director, Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Raman Gangakhedkar, Distinguished Professor, Symbiosis International University, and former Head Scientist, ICMR
  • Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director, R&D, Serum Institute of India (SII)
  • Jaideep Gogtay, Head of Medical Services, Cipla

The discussions underscored the critical role of collaborative research and innovation in addressing global health challenges and shaping the future of infectious disease management.