Faculty
Director, Centre for Ethics
Prof. Dr. Vina Vaswani
Director, Centre for Ethics
Dr. Vina Vaswani is a pioneering force in bioethics and forensic medicine with a career spanning over two decades. As the founding Director of the Centre for Ethics at Yenepoya (deemed to be University), she has been instrumental in bridging gaps in ethics education, practice, and research. Under her leadership, the Centre has introduced India’s first postgraduate diploma programs in Bioethics & Medical Ethics and Clinical Ethics, fostering a new generation of ethically driven healthcare professionals.
A distinguished academic, Dr. Vina holds an MD in Forensic Medicine and multiple advanced degrees, including an Erasmus Mundus Master in Bioethics and a PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland. Her efforts to embed ethics in medical curricula reflect her commitment to integrating ethics as a cornerstone of healthcare. Her global collaborations with institutions in Germany, the USA, Turkey, and Australia demonstrate her dedication to international academic excellence. She is the Principal Investigator of the first NIH-funded Fogarty International Research Ethics Master’s Program in India. Her leadership extends to advisory roles on ethics boards for prestigious global health initiatives, such as influenza vaccine development and digital health research ethics.
Recognized widely for her contributions, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Bioethics and holds key advisory positions in ethics and medical regulation. Her prolific research output includes influential publications on ethical challenges in clinical decision-making, surrogacy, and human infection model studies. With her visionary work in education, research, and policy, Dr. Vina continues to shape the future of ethical healthcare and biomedical research globally.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8914-0795
Areas of interest: Forensic Medicine, Toxicology, Age estimation, Bioethics, Disaster Ethics, Research Ethics, Gender studies, Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
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Director, Centre for Ethics
Dr. Vina Vaswani is a pioneering force in bioethics and forensic medicine with a career spanning over two decades. As the founding Director of the Centre for Ethics at Yenepoya (deemed to be University), she has been instrumental in bridging gaps in ethics education, practice, and research. Under her leadership, the Centre has introduced India’s first postgraduate diploma programs in Bioethics & Medical Ethics and Clinical Ethics, fostering a new generation of ethically driven healthcare professionals.
A distinguished academic, Dr. Vina holds an MD in Forensic Medicine and multiple advanced degrees, including an Erasmus Mundus Master in Bioethics and a PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland. Her efforts to embed ethics in medical curricula reflect her commitment to integrating ethics as a cornerstone of healthcare. Her global collaborations with institutions in Germany, the USA, Turkey, and Australia demonstrate her dedication to international academic excellence. She is the Principal Investigator of the first NIH-funded Fogarty International Research Ethics Master’s Program in India. Her leadership extends to advisory roles on ethics boards for prestigious global health initiatives, such as influenza vaccine development and digital health research ethics.
Recognized widely for her contributions, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Bioethics and holds key advisory positions in ethics and medical regulation. Her prolific research output includes influential publications on ethical challenges in clinical decision-making, surrogacy, and human infection model studies. With her visionary work in education, research, and policy, Dr. Vina continues to shape the future of ethical healthcare and biomedical research globally.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8914-0795
Areas of interest: Forensic Medicine, Toxicology, Age estimation, Bioethics, Disaster Ethics, Research Ethics, Gender studies, Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
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International Faculty:
Prof.Dr.Norbert W.Paul
Prof. Dr. Norbert W Paul is the Director of the Department of History, Philosophy and Ethics in Medicine, at the Johannes Gutenberg Medical University, Mainz, Germany. Dr. Paul is the founder editor of Medicine Studies (Springer Link), created and conceived as a platform for interdisciplinary scientific inquiry, at “the intersection of medicine, science and society beyond disciplinary boundaries”.
Prof. Dr. Norbert W Paul is the Director of the Department of History, Philosophy and Ethics in Medicine, at the Johannes Gutenberg Medical University, Mainz, Germany. Dr. Paul is the founder editor of Medicine Studies (Springer Link), created and conceived as a platform for interdisciplinary scientific inquiry, at “the intersection of medicine, science and society beyond disciplinary boundaries”.
Prof. Dr. Bert Gordijn
Bert Gordijn is Professor and Director of the Institute of Ethics at Dublin City University in Ireland. He has studied Philosophy and History in Utrecht, Strasbourg and Freiburg in Breisgau. In 1995 he was awarded a doctorate in Philosophy from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, followed by a doctorate in Bioethics from the Radboud University Nijmegen in 2003. Bert has been a Visiting Professor at Lancaster University (UK), Georgetown University (USA), the National University of Singapore, the Fondation Brocher (Switzerland), and Yenepoya University (Mangalore, Karnataka, India). He has served on Advisory Panels and Expert Committees of the European Chemical Industry Council, the European Patent Organisation, the Irish Department of Health and UNESCO. Bert is Editor-in-Chief of two book series: The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology and Advances in Global Bioethics as well as a peer reviewed journal: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, all published by Springer Nature. He is Secretary of the European Society for Philosophy of Medicine and Healthcare and former President of the International Association of Education in Ethics.
Areas of interest: Ethics, Philosophical Ethics, Applied Ethics, Global Ethics, Science Ethics, Research Ethics, Technology Ethics, Bioethics
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Bert Gordijn is Professor and Director of the Institute of Ethics at Dublin City University in Ireland. He has studied Philosophy and History in Utrecht, Strasbourg and Freiburg in Breisgau. In 1995 he was awarded a doctorate in Philosophy from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, followed by a doctorate in Bioethics from the Radboud University Nijmegen in 2003. Bert has been a Visiting Professor at Lancaster University (UK), Georgetown University (USA), the National University of Singapore, the Fondation Brocher (Switzerland), and Yenepoya University (Mangalore, Karnataka, India). He has served on Advisory Panels and Expert Committees of the European Chemical Industry Council, the European Patent Organisation, the Irish Department of Health and UNESCO. Bert is Editor-in-Chief of two book series: The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology and Advances in Global Bioethics as well as a peer reviewed journal: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, all published by Springer Nature. He is Secretary of the European Society for Philosophy of Medicine and Healthcare and former President of the International Association of Education in Ethics.
Areas of interest: Ethics, Philosophical Ethics, Applied Ethics, Global Ethics, Science Ethics, Research Ethics, Technology Ethics, Bioethics
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Prof. Corinna Porteri
Visiting Faculty, CFE
Corinna Porteri works as head of the Bioethics Unit at the IRCCS Saint John of God Fatebenefratelli in Brescia, Italy. The Centre is a Scientific Institute for Research and Care of national relevance whose mission involves translational research in the rehabilitation of Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders.She is particularly involved in studies on the bioethical aspects related to care and research in people with psychiatric disorders and dementia, and has long experience as a member and vice-chair of ethics committee for research and clinical practice. Corinna was academic visitor at the Ethox Centre, Oxford University UK and fellow in the Program on Science, Technology and Society at the Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge MA. She has taught ethics and bioethics in international settings, including universities in Mwanza (Tanzania) and Mangalore (India).
She holds a degree in philosophy with a thesis in logic and a PhD in bioethics.
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Visiting Faculty, CFE
Corinna Porteri works as head of the Bioethics Unit at the IRCCS Saint John of God Fatebenefratelli in Brescia, Italy. The Centre is a Scientific Institute for Research and Care of national relevance whose mission involves translational research in the rehabilitation of Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders.She is particularly involved in studies on the bioethical aspects related to care and research in people with psychiatric disorders and dementia, and has long experience as a member and vice-chair of ethics committee for research and clinical practice. Corinna was academic visitor at the Ethox Centre, Oxford University UK and fellow in the Program on Science, Technology and Society at the Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge MA. She has taught ethics and bioethics in international settings, including universities in Mwanza (Tanzania) and Mangalore (India).
She holds a degree in philosophy with a thesis in logic and a PhD in bioethics.
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National Faculty:
Dr. Amar Jesani
Visiting Faculty, CFE
Amar Jesani, a medical graduate, is a prominent consultant, researcher, and teacher specializing in bioethics and public health. He is a founder of the Forum for Medical Ethics Society (FMES) and has been the editor of its Indian Journal of Medical Ethics since 2012. Jesani serves as Visiting Professor at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), adjunct faculty at the Public Health Foundation of India, Associate Faculty at the Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Culture (Pakistan), and faculty for the KEMRI-CBEC Bioethics program in Nairobi.
A founding trustee of Anusandhan Trust (1991–2013), he was instrumental in establishing CEHAT and has held significant roles in various health and ethics organizations. He is a member of the international Ethics Review Board of Médecins Sans Frontières (since 2009). Recognized globally, he received the 2022 International Association of Bioethics Award for Service. Jesani has co-authored and co-edited nine books, contributing significantly to ethics, health research, and public health.
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Visiting Faculty, CFE
Amar Jesani, a medical graduate, is a prominent consultant, researcher, and teacher specializing in bioethics and public health. He is a founder of the Forum for Medical Ethics Society (FMES) and has been the editor of its Indian Journal of Medical Ethics since 2012. Jesani serves as Visiting Professor at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), adjunct faculty at the Public Health Foundation of India, Associate Faculty at the Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Culture (Pakistan), and faculty for the KEMRI-CBEC Bioethics program in Nairobi.
A founding trustee of Anusandhan Trust (1991–2013), he was instrumental in establishing CEHAT and has held significant roles in various health and ethics organizations. He is a member of the international Ethics Review Board of Médecins Sans Frontières (since 2009). Recognized globally, he received the 2022 International Association of Bioethics Award for Service. Jesani has co-authored and co-edited nine books, contributing significantly to ethics, health research, and public health.
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Prof. Vibhuti Patel
Visiting faculty, CFE
Prof. Vibhuti Patel, an accomplished economist and scholar, holds a Bachelor’s (1975) and Master’s (1977) in Economics from M.S. University, Baroda, and a PhD from the University of Mumbai (1988). She received a Commonwealth postdoctoral fellowship in 1992 for research at the London School of Economics. She retired as Professor, Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (2020), and earlier as Head of Economics, SNDT Women’s University (2017). She has served on expert committees for IGNOU, NCERT, and the Ministry of Science & Technology, and contributed to key human development and minority studies reports. Prof. Patel is active on governing boards of multiple women-centric and educational organizations and has authored/co-authored several books on gender, women’s empowerment, and socioeconomic issues, including the Springer-published Gendered Inequalities in Paid and Unpaid Work of Women in India (2022). Her 45 years of research focus on women’s work participation, human rights, gender, social justice, climate change, and development economics. olds a Bachelor’s (1975) and Master’s (1977) in Economics from M.S. University, Baroda, and a PhD from the University of Mumbai (1988). She received a Commonwealth postdoctoral fellowship in 1992 for research at the London School of Economics. She retired as Professor, Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (2020), and earlier as Head of Economics, SNDT Women’s University (2017).
She has served on expert committees for IGNOU, NCERT, and the Ministry of Science & Technology, and contributed to key human development and minority studies reports. Prof. Patel is active on governing boards of multiple women-centric and educational organizations and has authored/co-authored several books on gender, women’s empowerment, and socioeconomic issues, including the Springer-published Gendered Inequalities in Paid and Unpaid Work of Women in India (2022). Her 45 years of research focus on women’s work participation, human rights, gender, social justice, climate change, and development economics.
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Visiting faculty, CFE
Prof. Vibhuti Patel, an accomplished economist and scholar, holds a Bachelor’s (1975) and Master’s (1977) in Economics from M.S. University, Baroda, and a PhD from the University of Mumbai (1988). She received a Commonwealth postdoctoral fellowship in 1992 for research at the London School of Economics. She retired as Professor, Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (2020), and earlier as Head of Economics, SNDT Women’s University (2017). She has served on expert committees for IGNOU, NCERT, and the Ministry of Science & Technology, and contributed to key human development and minority studies reports. Prof. Patel is active on governing boards of multiple women-centric and educational organizations and has authored/co-authored several books on gender, women’s empowerment, and socioeconomic issues, including the Springer-published Gendered Inequalities in Paid and Unpaid Work of Women in India (2022). Her 45 years of research focus on women’s work participation, human rights, gender, social justice, climate change, and development economics. olds a Bachelor’s (1975) and Master’s (1977) in Economics from M.S. University, Baroda, and a PhD from the University of Mumbai (1988). She received a Commonwealth postdoctoral fellowship in 1992 for research at the London School of Economics. She retired as Professor, Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (2020), and earlier as Head of Economics, SNDT Women’s University (2017).
She has served on expert committees for IGNOU, NCERT, and the Ministry of Science & Technology, and contributed to key human development and minority studies reports. Prof. Patel is active on governing boards of multiple women-centric and educational organizations and has authored/co-authored several books on gender, women’s empowerment, and socioeconomic issues, including the Springer-published Gendered Inequalities in Paid and Unpaid Work of Women in India (2022). Her 45 years of research focus on women’s work participation, human rights, gender, social justice, climate change, and development economics.
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Dr. Anant Bhan
He is a Researcher, Bioethics and Global Health Pune and Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya University, Mangalore. Anant has done his Master's (MHSc) in Bioethics from the Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Canada in 2005. He is President of the International Association of Bioethics.
He is a Researcher, Bioethics and Global Health Pune and Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya University, Mangalore. Anant has done his Master's (MHSc) in Bioethics from the Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Canada in 2005. He is President of the International Association of Bioethics.
Dr Keerty Nakray
Dr Keerty Nakray is Professor at Jindal Global Law School, NCR Delhi and adjunct faculty in the Centre for Ethics, Mangalore. She holds a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy from Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has held the Research Excellence Fellowship at the Central European University, Budapest, Hungary (https://www.ceu.edu/academics/research/support/vrf/fellows/past) and a visiting fellowships at the Feinstein International Centre, Tufts University, and Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York (United Kingdom). She served on the editorial board of Journal of Gender Studies (UK) and has been appointed on the International Advisory Board of Social Policy and Society and Social Policy and Administration. She was the Book Reviews Editor of Journal of South Asian Development.
Dr Keerty Nakray is Professor at Jindal Global Law School, NCR Delhi and adjunct faculty in the Centre for Ethics, Mangalore. She holds a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy from Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has held the Research Excellence Fellowship at the Central European University, Budapest, Hungary (https://www.ceu.edu/academics/research/support/vrf/fellows/past) and a visiting fellowships at the Feinstein International Centre, Tufts University, and Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York (United Kingdom). She served on the editorial board of Journal of Gender Studies (UK) and has been appointed on the International Advisory Board of Social Policy and Society and Social Policy and Administration. She was the Book Reviews Editor of Journal of South Asian Development.
Local faculty:
Dr. Lavina Noronha
Dr. Lavina Noronha is the Director, Ave Maria Palliative Care Centre, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru. She has completed her PhD in Social Work from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA in 2000. She has vast clinical, research and academic experience in the area of counseling, death and dying and palliative care. She is the recipient of the Hearst Research Grant for several years and has done work on cross-cultural death rituals, death anxiety and attitude towards death, in collaboration with Dr. Brenda Guerrero.
Dr. Lavina Noronha is the Director, Ave Maria Palliative Care Centre, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru. She has completed her PhD in Social Work from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA in 2000. She has vast clinical, research and academic experience in the area of counseling, death and dying and palliative care. She is the recipient of the Hearst Research Grant for several years and has done work on cross-cultural death rituals, death anxiety and attitude towards death, in collaboration with Dr. Brenda Guerrero.
Dr. Ravi Vaswani
Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Ravi Vaswani is a Professor of Internal Medicine at Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). With over 24 years of teaching experience in Internal Medicine, he has a clinical focus on HIV Medicine and, more recently, COVID-19. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Ravi has been teaching bioethics and research ethics for the past 12 years contributing to the Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics (PGDBEME), Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Ethics (PGDCE). He is actively involved in research, serving as Senior Key Personnel in the Yenepoya University-Fogarty International Center's Research Ethics Master's Program for India, funded by the National Institutes of Health, USA. He also serves as Joint Secretary of the Yenepoya Ethics Committee-1 since 2017. His academic contributions include publications in various journals, with a focus on responsible conduct in research, reflecting his commitment to advancing ethical standards in medical practice and education.
Areas of interest: HIV medicine, clinical ethics and medical education
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0044-4133.
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Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Ravi Vaswani is a Professor of Internal Medicine at Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). With over 24 years of teaching experience in Internal Medicine, he has a clinical focus on HIV Medicine and, more recently, COVID-19. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Ravi has been teaching bioethics and research ethics for the past 12 years contributing to the Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics (PGDBEME), Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Ethics (PGDCE). He is actively involved in research, serving as Senior Key Personnel in the Yenepoya University-Fogarty International Center's Research Ethics Master's Program for India, funded by the National Institutes of Health, USA. He also serves as Joint Secretary of the Yenepoya Ethics Committee-1 since 2017. His academic contributions include publications in various journals, with a focus on responsible conduct in research, reflecting his commitment to advancing ethical standards in medical practice and education.
Areas of interest: HIV medicine, clinical ethics and medical education
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0044-4133.
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Dr. Uma Kulkarni
Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Uma Kulkarni is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). Since 2012, Dr. Uma serves as a faculty member at the Centre for Ethics, contributing to the Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics (PGDBEME), Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Ethics (PGDCE), and Yenepoya University-Fogarty International Center's Research Ethics Master's Program for India, funded by the National Institutes of Health, USA. She holds the position of Member Secretary of the Yenepoya Ethics Committee-1 and coordinates academic courses, NAAC activities at the University. Dr. Uma is also a member of the editorial board of the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, reflecting her commitment to advancing ethical standards in medical practice and research. Her contributions to ophthalmology and medical ethics have been recognized through various awards, including the Outstanding Ophthalmic Teacher of India by the Forum of Ophthalmic Teachers of India in 2023 and Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024 from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). Dr. Uma's dedication to integrating ethical considerations into medical education and practice underscores her pivotal role at the Centre for Ethics, fostering a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility among healthcare professionals.
Areas of interest: Neuro-ophthalmology, vulnerability in human subject research and empathy in clinical care
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Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Uma Kulkarni is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). Since 2012, Dr. Uma serves as a faculty member at the Centre for Ethics, contributing to the Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics (PGDBEME), Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Ethics (PGDCE), and Yenepoya University-Fogarty International Center's Research Ethics Master's Program for India, funded by the National Institutes of Health, USA. She holds the position of Member Secretary of the Yenepoya Ethics Committee-1 and coordinates academic courses, NAAC activities at the University. Dr. Uma is also a member of the editorial board of the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, reflecting her commitment to advancing ethical standards in medical practice and research. Her contributions to ophthalmology and medical ethics have been recognized through various awards, including the Outstanding Ophthalmic Teacher of India by the Forum of Ophthalmic Teachers of India in 2023 and Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024 from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). Dr. Uma's dedication to integrating ethical considerations into medical education and practice underscores her pivotal role at the Centre for Ethics, fostering a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility among healthcare professionals.
Areas of interest: Neuro-ophthalmology, vulnerability in human subject research and empathy in clinical care
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Dr. Abhay Nirgude
Dr. Abhay Nirgude is Associate Dean of Yenepoya Medical College and a Professor of Community Medicine and a FAIMER Regional Fellow. He is Deputy Director, Centre for Health Professions Education at Yenepoya deemed to be University. He has completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Bioethics & Medical Ethics in 2014. His interest areas include community engagement in biomedical research and developing curriculum in medical ethics.
Dr. Abhay Nirgude is Associate Dean of Yenepoya Medical College and a Professor of Community Medicine and a FAIMER Regional Fellow. He is Deputy Director, Centre for Health Professions Education at Yenepoya deemed to be University. He has completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Bioethics & Medical Ethics in 2014. His interest areas include community engagement in biomedical research and developing curriculum in medical ethics.
Dr. Poonam Naik
Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Poonam R. Naik is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at Yenepoya Medical College, part of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) since 2013. She holds MD in Community Medicine from Mumbai University, India, and completed the FAIMER Fellowship at the GSMC FAIMER Regional Institute in Mumbai, sponsored by the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) in Philadelphia, USA. Dr. Poonam has a strong background in global health, having worked as a World Health Organization (WHO) RNTCP Medical Consultant. She is a National-level trainer for the Structured Operational Research Training Initiative (SORT IT) course by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (The UNION), as well as for Operational Research courses conducted by The UNION and the Central TB Division, India.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Poonam has been the PI and Co-PI for numerous funded research projects and has published over 50 research articles in indexed national and international journals. She is also a research guide for Masters in Community Medicine students, PhD fellows, PG Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics candidates, FAIMER fellows, and ICMR Short Term Studentship Program participants. In addition, Dr. Poonam serves as the President of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) and is actively involved in advancing the field of bioethics and medical ethics. She contributes significantly to the Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics (PGDBEME) and the Yenepoya University-Fogarty International Center's Research Ethics Master's Program for India, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. Her commitment to advancing ethical standards in healthcare education and practice is reflected in her numerous publications and awards, including the prestigious FAIMER Fellowship in 2014. Dr. Poonam’s work at the Centre for Ethics demonstrates her dedication to integrating ethical considerations into medical education and community service.
Areas of interest: Rural health development and developing curriculum in medical ethics.
Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Poonam R. Naik is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at Yenepoya Medical College, part of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) since 2013. She holds MD in Community Medicine from Mumbai University, India, and completed the FAIMER Fellowship at the GSMC FAIMER Regional Institute in Mumbai, sponsored by the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) in Philadelphia, USA. Dr. Poonam has a strong background in global health, having worked as a World Health Organization (WHO) RNTCP Medical Consultant. She is a National-level trainer for the Structured Operational Research Training Initiative (SORT IT) course by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (The UNION), as well as for Operational Research courses conducted by The UNION and the Central TB Division, India.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Poonam has been the PI and Co-PI for numerous funded research projects and has published over 50 research articles in indexed national and international journals. She is also a research guide for Masters in Community Medicine students, PhD fellows, PG Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics candidates, FAIMER fellows, and ICMR Short Term Studentship Program participants. In addition, Dr. Poonam serves as the President of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) and is actively involved in advancing the field of bioethics and medical ethics. She contributes significantly to the Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics (PGDBEME) and the Yenepoya University-Fogarty International Center's Research Ethics Master's Program for India, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. Her commitment to advancing ethical standards in healthcare education and practice is reflected in her numerous publications and awards, including the prestigious FAIMER Fellowship in 2014. Dr. Poonam’s work at the Centre for Ethics demonstrates her dedication to integrating ethical considerations into medical education and community service.
Areas of interest: Rural health development and developing curriculum in medical ethics.
Dr. Pooja Harish
Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Pooja Harish S is an orthodontist and completed her BDS from Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bangalore, and MDS in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics from K.L.E Society’s Institute of Dental Sciences. She also holds Post Graduate Diplomas in Bioethics and Clinical Ethics from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). Dr. Pooja currently serves as a Reader in the Department of Orthodontics at Yenepoya Dental College and is an additional faculty at the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). She has authored several publications, co-authored textbooks, and filed a patent. With notable awards for her research and presentations, she actively engages in research, including studies on therapeutic misconceptions in biomedical research. Dr. Pooja is also involved in academic administration and has coordinated multiple conferences, workshops, and programs at her institution. She continues to contribute significantly to the field of orthodontics and bioethics.
Areas of interest: Therapeutic misconception, ethics in dental education
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Additional Faculty, CFE
Dr. Pooja Harish S is an orthodontist and completed her BDS from Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bangalore, and MDS in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics from K.L.E Society’s Institute of Dental Sciences. She also holds Post Graduate Diplomas in Bioethics and Clinical Ethics from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). Dr. Pooja currently serves as a Reader in the Department of Orthodontics at Yenepoya Dental College and is an additional faculty at the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). She has authored several publications, co-authored textbooks, and filed a patent. With notable awards for her research and presentations, she actively engages in research, including studies on therapeutic misconceptions in biomedical research. Dr. Pooja is also involved in academic administration and has coordinated multiple conferences, workshops, and programs at her institution. She continues to contribute significantly to the field of orthodontics and bioethics.
Areas of interest: Therapeutic misconception, ethics in dental education
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Ms. Aarti Halwai
Tutor, CFE
Ms. Aarti Halwai is a dedicated educator and ethics professional with a rich background in research coordination and committee management. She holds a Master’s degree in Research Ethics from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), where she was a Fogarty trainee under the NIH-funded Fogarty International Center. She also earned a Master's degree in Microbiology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. With over four years of experience, Ms. Aarti has served as a Drug Trial Committee Coordinator, Scientific Review Board Coordinator, Ethics Committee Coordinator, and Reviewer at prestigious institutions, including Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, and Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore. She currently serves as the Member Secretary of the Scientific Review Board at the Centre for Ethics, demonstrating her leadership in scientific evaluation and ethical oversight. Her passion for research ethics is evident in her academic contributions, with publications to her credit during and beyond her master’s program. Ms. Aarti’s professional journey has equipped her with strong analytical, organizational, and collaborative skills, allowing her to excel both independently and as part of a team.
Areas of interest: Research Ethics, Disability ethics, Ethics of Synthetic cell, Post-trial access, Applied Ethics
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Tutor, CFE
Ms. Aarti Halwai is a dedicated educator and ethics professional with a rich background in research coordination and committee management. She holds a Master’s degree in Research Ethics from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), where she was a Fogarty trainee under the NIH-funded Fogarty International Center. She also earned a Master's degree in Microbiology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. With over four years of experience, Ms. Aarti has served as a Drug Trial Committee Coordinator, Scientific Review Board Coordinator, Ethics Committee Coordinator, and Reviewer at prestigious institutions, including Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, and Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore. She currently serves as the Member Secretary of the Scientific Review Board at the Centre for Ethics, demonstrating her leadership in scientific evaluation and ethical oversight. Her passion for research ethics is evident in her academic contributions, with publications to her credit during and beyond her master’s program. Ms. Aarti’s professional journey has equipped her with strong analytical, organizational, and collaborative skills, allowing her to excel both independently and as part of a team.
Areas of interest: Research Ethics, Disability ethics, Ethics of Synthetic cell, Post-trial access, Applied Ethics
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Dr. Naheeda Hamza
Tutor, CFE
Naheeda Hamza is a PhD Fellow at the Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo (UiO), Norway. She holds a Master’s degree in Research Ethics (Fogarty trainee) from the Yenepoya University- Fogarty International Center, funded by NIH, USA. Her background as a Homoeopathic Medical Doctor and her role as a Research Assistant, and Tutor at the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), India gives her a diverse perspective in the field. She is a member of the Women in Global Health (WGH), Norway and Women for One Health- https://portal.wfoh.org/expert-database/naheeda-hamza, and Vice President at the UiO PhD and PostDoc Organisation for the academic year 2024-2025. She also serves as EuroDoc Liaison Officer to the Stipendiatorganisasjonene i Norge (SiN) board- Association of Doctoral Organizations in Norway- https://stipendiat.no/about/board/.
Her PhD topic focuses on ethical issues arising from the dynamic intersection of One Health, and Open Science in India. This project is designed in accordance with the objectives of the ROSiE (Responsible Open Science in Europe) project funded by HORIZON 2020. In her PhD work, Naheeda intends to develop a framework that aims to set the gold standard for integrating Open Science into the One Health paradigm. She firmly believes that her PhD work will equip One Health researchers and policy-makers with the tools they need to embrace open-data-sharing strategies, thereby fostering sustainable social development in both India and Norway. She is looking forward to working with a multifaceted approach to making a positive impact on Global Health.
Areas of interest: One Health, Bioethics, Open Science, Citizen Science and Precision Medicine in Public Health.
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Tutor, CFE
Naheeda Hamza is a PhD Fellow at the Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo (UiO), Norway. She holds a Master’s degree in Research Ethics (Fogarty trainee) from the Yenepoya University- Fogarty International Center, funded by NIH, USA. Her background as a Homoeopathic Medical Doctor and her role as a Research Assistant, and Tutor at the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), India gives her a diverse perspective in the field. She is a member of the Women in Global Health (WGH), Norway and Women for One Health- https://portal.wfoh.org/expert-database/naheeda-hamza, and Vice President at the UiO PhD and PostDoc Organisation for the academic year 2024-2025. She also serves as EuroDoc Liaison Officer to the Stipendiatorganisasjonene i Norge (SiN) board- Association of Doctoral Organizations in Norway- https://stipendiat.no/about/board/.
Her PhD topic focuses on ethical issues arising from the dynamic intersection of One Health, and Open Science in India. This project is designed in accordance with the objectives of the ROSiE (Responsible Open Science in Europe) project funded by HORIZON 2020. In her PhD work, Naheeda intends to develop a framework that aims to set the gold standard for integrating Open Science into the One Health paradigm. She firmly believes that her PhD work will equip One Health researchers and policy-makers with the tools they need to embrace open-data-sharing strategies, thereby fostering sustainable social development in both India and Norway. She is looking forward to working with a multifaceted approach to making a positive impact on Global Health.
Areas of interest: One Health, Bioethics, Open Science, Citizen Science and Precision Medicine in Public Health.
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Mr. Akuma, Ifeanyichukwu
Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Mr. Akuma Ifeanyichukwu is currently a Senior Research Fellow and also pursuing a PhD at the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), India. With a keen focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and research ethics, Akuma’s work addresses ethical challenges in AI-driven healthcare systems, equitable vaccine distribution, and pandemic response in low-middle-income countries. His research explores the intersection of technology, ethics, and marginalized communities, emphasizing fairness and transparency. Akuma holds an MSc in Research Ethics and a First-Class BSc in Home Economics Education (Family and consumer science) from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. He has enriched his expertise through global educational experiences, including a study stint at Hokkaido University, Japan.
His extensive academic engagements include publications on exploring partial disclosure in research: challenges, justifications, and recommendations for ethical oversight. Akuma’s professional journey spans roles in education, pandemic response, and international conferences on ethics and technology. His dedication to capacity building is reflected in his volunteer work with bioethics conferences and humanitarian initiatives. A recipient of multiple scholarships and awards, including a travel grant demonstrate his commitment to advancing ethical standards in research. Beyond academia, Akuma is passionate about teaching, football, and cooking, reflecting his well-rounded approach to personal and professional development.
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7010-9322
https://scholar.google.com/Akuma Ifeanyichukwu
Areas of interest: Research Ethics, AI Ethics, Public Health Ethics, Ethics Education and Multidisciplinary studies
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Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Mr. Akuma Ifeanyichukwu is currently a Senior Research Fellow and also pursuing a PhD at the Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), India. With a keen focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and research ethics, Akuma’s work addresses ethical challenges in AI-driven healthcare systems, equitable vaccine distribution, and pandemic response in low-middle-income countries. His research explores the intersection of technology, ethics, and marginalized communities, emphasizing fairness and transparency. Akuma holds an MSc in Research Ethics and a First-Class BSc in Home Economics Education (Family and consumer science) from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. He has enriched his expertise through global educational experiences, including a study stint at Hokkaido University, Japan.
His extensive academic engagements include publications on exploring partial disclosure in research: challenges, justifications, and recommendations for ethical oversight. Akuma’s professional journey spans roles in education, pandemic response, and international conferences on ethics and technology. His dedication to capacity building is reflected in his volunteer work with bioethics conferences and humanitarian initiatives. A recipient of multiple scholarships and awards, including a travel grant demonstrate his commitment to advancing ethical standards in research. Beyond academia, Akuma is passionate about teaching, football, and cooking, reflecting his well-rounded approach to personal and professional development.
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7010-9322
https://scholar.google.com/Akuma Ifeanyichukwu
Areas of interest: Research Ethics, AI Ethics, Public Health Ethics, Ethics Education and Multidisciplinary studies
For more info, Click here
Technical and support staff:
Ms. Savina
Second Division Assistant
Ms. Fathimath Sameeza
Second Division Assistant
Second Division Assistant