Soumya Swaminathan recently served as the first Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO). Upon returning to India, she assumed the position of Chairperson at the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in February 2023. She has also served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Dr. Swaminathan is one of India’s most renowned pediatricians and a globally recognized researcher in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. With over 40 years of experience in clinical care and research, she has dedicated her career to translating research into impactful health programs.
From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Swaminathan served as the Secretary of Health Research for the Government of India and as Director General of ICMR. Between 2009 and 2011, she worked in Geneva as the Coordinator of the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases.
A Stellar Career
She received academic training in India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Dr. Swaminathan is a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, the Academy of Medical Sciences in the UK, and all major Indian science academies. She holds several honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions including Karolinska Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She serves on multiple national and international advisory boards and committees and holds adjunct professor positions at Karolinska Institute (Sweden) and Tufts University (USA).
She is a board member of organizations such as Bioversity International, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), FIND, and the Population Foundation of India. Dr. Swaminathan also serves on the Governing Council of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission and chairs the Scientific Advisory Board of ICMR.
As the inaugural Chief Scientist at WHO, she helped establish the organization’s Science Division, focusing on research, quality assurance, standards, and digital health.
Leadership and Impact
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a critical role in coordinating WHO’s global scientific response and helped shape COVAX, with an emphasis on equitable vaccine distribution in low- and middle-income countries. Recently, India’s Ministry of Health appointed her as Principal Advisor to the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program.
Her current work focuses on addressing the health impacts of climate change—especially those affecting women and children—and transforming food systems to enhance nutrition security across India and the region. In recognition of her outstanding leadership in public health and scientific research, Dr. Swaminathan was honored with the Nation Building Icon Award under the Grihshobha Inspired Awards.
Women like Dr. Soumya Swaminathan prove why the world holds the intellect and contributions of women in high regard. Whether in science, technology, or social development, women are not only matching their male counterparts but often surpassing them. In the field of public health and research, Dr. Swaminathan’s tireless dedication continues to inspire and pave the way for the next generation. It is vital for women to draw inspiration from such role models and make their own unique mark in the world.
