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Pumphandle Lecture 2024: Soumya Swaminathan

The John Snow Society Annual Pumphandle Lecture will be given by Soumya Swaminathan (Chairperson at M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, and Principal Advisor to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India) entitled "Pandemics, Climate Change and the role of Science".

Soumya Swaminathan speaking at an event

Speaker

Soumya Swaminathan

Dr Soumya Swaminathan served as Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization from 2017 to 2023, after two years as Deputy Director of WHO, having previously been Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research. Prior to that she had been coordinator of the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases in Geneva and Director of National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT). While at WHO she was instrumental in setting up the COVAX initiative to provide COVID vaccines to low and middle countries.

Dr. Swaminathan received her academic training in India, the UK, and the USA, leading to a career in clinical care and research, with primary interests in tuberculosis and HIV. She is a Fellow of the US National Academy of Medicine, the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK), and all major science academies in India. She holds honorary doctorates from many institutions, including the Karolinska Institute, and the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. She is currently the Chairperson at M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, as well as Principal Advisor to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

  • The lecture will be followed by the John Snow Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the John Snow Lecture Theatre from 7pm to 7:30pm. All Society members are encouraged to attend the AGM, either in person or online. After the AGM, members are warmly invited to repair to the John Snow public house in Broadwick Street, Soho, a short walk from LSHTM.
  • Please note that the recording link will be listed on this page and on the John Snow Society’s website when available. 

Admission

Admission
Free and open to all. No registration required.

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