Bhushan Patwardhan

Professor Bhushan Patwardhan serves as the National Research Professor for Ayush at Savitribai Phule Pune University, a role supported by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. He is a celebrated academician, biomedical researcher, and institutional leader with a career spanning over four decades. His work is pivotal in shaping the discourse on traditional medicine’s role in global public health.

As a member of the Program Committee for the 3rd WCTCIM, Professor Patwardhan brings unparalleled expertise in policy, research, and education, aligning perfectly with the congress’s mission to foster evidence-based integration of TCIM. His leadership strengthens the event’s focus on South-South collaboration and the implementation of global health strategies.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3918-2609

Biography and Expertise of Bhushan Patwardhan

Professor Bhushan Patwardhan is a globally recognized thought leader whose work forms a critical bridge between the ancient wisdom of traditional medicine and the rigorous methodologies of modern science. His career is a testament to the power of transdisciplinary research in advancing healthcare. Consequently, he has become a leading voice in ethnopharmacology, Ayurvedic biology, and integrative medicine, consistently advocating for a healthcare paradigm that is both holistic and evidence-based.

His contributions are deeply resonant with the core themes of the 3rd WCTCIM. Professor Patwardhan’s role as co-chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Group for the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine directly supports the congress’s alignment with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025-2034). Beyond that, his tireless advocacy for academic integrity and evidence-based validation of traditional practices embodies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. His work provides a powerful framework for achieving the congress motto’s vision of “Knowledge Diversity” for “Well-being Societies.”

Furthermore, Professor Patwardhan’s expertise directly addresses key thematic axes of the congress. His extensive research into codified traditions like Ayurveda and their application in contemporary health challenges is central to Thematic Axis 2.3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” His policy work and leadership in academic governance also provide critical insights into Thematic Axis 2.2, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems,” offering a roadmap for how nations can successfully weave traditional knowledge into their public health fabric.

Professional Career

Professor Bhushan Patwardhan‘s professional journey is characterized by a dynamic progression from pioneering academic research to shaping national and international health and education policy. His leadership has left an indelible mark on India’s top regulatory bodies and academic institutions, reflecting a deep commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation.

His career demonstrates a unique ability to operate at the intersection of science, governance, & education. He was instrumental in driving transformative changes in higher education & promoting ethical research. His diverse roles provide a comprehensive perspective on integrating traditional medicine into mainstream systems.

National Research Professor-Ayush: Supported by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and based at Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) of India (2018-2021): Served in a top leadership role at India’s primary higher education regulatory body, influencing policy for universities nationwide.
Chairman, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Executive Committee: Led the nation’s key institution for quality assurance in higher education.
Adjunct Professor, NICM Health Research Institute: Holds an international position at Western Sydney University, Australia, fostering global collaboration.
Founder Director, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences: Established and led this innovative center at Savitribai Phule Pune University for nearly a decade.
Member, Lancet Citizens’ Commission on Reimagining India’s Health System: Contributes to a high-level body dedicated to shaping the future of Indian healthcare.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Professor Bhushan Patwardhan is firmly rooted in the biomedical sciences, providing him with the technical expertise to rigorously investigate traditional medicine. His education in biochemistry created the perfect launchpad for a career dedicated to understanding the molecular basis of natural remedies and their interactions with human physiology.

This strong scientific training enabled him to develop novel research methodologies, including network pharmacology and systems biology approaches, to study Ayurvedic formulations. Consequently, his work has brought a new level of scientific credibility to the field, fostering greater acceptance within the global scientific community. His academic journey underscores his belief that a solid scientific grounding is essential for unlocking the full potential of traditional knowledge.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry: Earned from the Haffkine Institute, a constituent college of the University of Mumbai, focusing on a multidisciplinary program in drug-immune interactions.
Master of Science (MSc): Completed at the University of Pune (now Savitribai Phule Pune University), further deepening his expertise in biomedical sciences.
Bachelor of Science (BSc): Obtained from the University of Pune, where he began his distinguished academic and research career.

Research and Publications

Professor Bhushan Patwardhan is a prolific and impactful researcher, whose work has significantly advanced traditional medicine. His scholarly output places him among the top 2% of biomedical scientists worldwide, a testament to the quality and influence of his contributions. His research is characterized by its innovative, transdisciplinary approach, which integrates ethnopharmacology, systems biology, and modern drug discovery.

He developed robust methodologies for validating traditional remedies, particularly from Ayurveda. He has pioneered the use of network pharmacology to unravel the complex mechanisms of action of herbal formulations. His commitment to research integrity is globally recognized, especially through his efforts to combat predatory publishing. Professor Patwardhan’s work not only generates new knowledge but also ensures that the knowledge ecosystem is ethical and reliable.

Key Research Achievements:

Extensive Publication Record: Authored over 200 scientific publications in high-impact journals, contributing a vast body of knowledge.
High Citation Impact: garnered over 15,600 citations, with a Google Scholar h-index of 62, indicating significant influence on his peers.
Intellectual Property: Holds eight Indian and two U.S. patents, demonstrating his ability to translate findings into innovations.
Mentorship and Guidance: Supervised 20 PhD scholars, nurturing future scientists in integrative medicine.
Landmark Publication on Academic Ethics: Authored a highly cited Worldview article in *Nature* titled “A check list to combat predatory publishing”.
Acclaimed Author: His book, “Genome to Om: Evolving Journey of Modern Science to Meta-science,” has received international acclaim.

Awards and Recognitions

The illustrious career of Professor Bhushan Patwardhan has been marked by numerous prestigious awards and honors, acknowledging his profound contributions to science, education, and public health. These recognitions from esteemed national and international bodies highlight his role as a transformative leader and innovator. Each award reflects a different facet of his impact, from scientific excellence to policy leadership.

These accolades underscore the widespread respect for his work in bridging traditional knowledge with modern science and his unwavering commitment to academic integrity. Consequently, his collection of honors serves as an inspiration for researchers and policymakers dedicated to advancing integrative health globally.

Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI): An esteemed honor recognizing his significant contributions to scientific research in India.
Fellow, National Academy of Medical Sciences, India (NAMS): Elected for his outstanding achievements and impact in the field of medical sciences.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award: A prestigious award celebrating his contributions to the nation.
SASTRA Mahamana Award: Recognized for his exceptional work in the field of integrative medicine and education.
Sir Ram Nath Chopra Oration: An honor bestowed upon distinguished scientists to deliver a keynote oration.
Waldemar Haffkine Oration: A recognition of his lifelong contributions to biomedical research and public health.

Board and Committee Activities

Professor Bhushan Patwardhan has been a pivotal figure in shaping policy at the highest levels, serving on numerous influential boards and committees in India and internationally. His strategic guidance and deep expertise have been sought by governmental bodies, academic institutions, and global health organizations. This extensive involvement demonstrates the trust and respect he commands as a leader in healthcare and education.

Through these roles, he has driven significant reforms, from enhancing the quality of higher education to establishing global standards for traditional medicine. His leadership in these forums has been instrumental in translating research and ideas into actionable policies with far-reaching impact. For instance, his work with the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced innovative concepts that have reshaped Indian higher education.

Co-Chair, WHO Expert Working Group: Led the global effort to establish the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India.
Chair, UGC Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE): Spearheaded a national initiative to promote academic integrity and combat predatory publishing.
Member, National Knowledge Commission: Contributed to a high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India on policy matters.
Contributor, NITI Aayog: Provided expert input to the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.
Policy Advisor, Planning Commission of India: Played a role in shaping India’s national development strategies.

Connect with Professor Patwardhan

Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Professor Bhushan Patwardhan through his official profiles and scholarly databases. These platforms offer detailed insights into his research, publications, and ongoing activities in the fields of integrative medicine, academic governance, and global health policy. Following his work provides a valuable opportunity to stay informed about the latest advancements in evidence-based traditional medicine.

Google Scholar: View Publications and Citations

University Profile: Savitribai Phule Pune University

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

Lancet Commission Profile: View Lancet Commission Role