Emory University’s growing collaborations with India were the focus of a fireside chat held April 30 at the Consulate General of India in Atlanta.
The event was inaugurated by Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan and moderated by Nita Sardana, chief impact officer of Innova Solutions. Participants included Dr. Anant Madabhushi of Emory University and Dr. Venkat Narayan, whose longstanding work in diabetes research and global health has fostered extensive partnerships between Emory and institutions in India. Dr. Jane Gatewood of Emory opened the evening by highlighting the breadth of the university’s engagement with India.
The discussion explored opportunities for collaboration in medical research, artificial intelligence, and global health. A key theme was the development of AI-driven diagnostic tools designed for use in low and middle income countries. Speakers emphasized that innovations developed in resource-constrained settings can improve patient care worldwide.
Panelists also highlighted the value of two-way collaboration between India and the United States. India’s large and diverse patient populations, combined with its scientific expertise, contribute valuable insights that strengthen research efforts on both sides. Examples included lessons learned through collaborations with institutions such as Tata Medical Center and public hospitals in Hyderabad.
The conversation also addressed challenges facing international research partnerships amid reductions in federal funding. Speakers encouraged greater philanthropic and private-sector support, noting the po- tential role of the Indian American community in advancing research initiatives that benefit patients in both countries. The event highlighted the growing importance of India-U.S. partnerships in advancing scientific innovation, global health, and medical research.