Professor Bhushan Patwardhan,
PhD, FNASc, FNAMS
Prof Bhushan Patwardhan is a biomedical scientist who has made highly impactful and pioneering contributions in the fields of traditional medicine research, higher education and institutional governance.
Known for his seminal works in Ayurveda biology and evidence based traditional medicine, Dr Patwardhan retired from the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University where he also setup the Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health and the editorial office of the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine that he founded in 2010.
With his trusted transdisciplinary collaborations Dr Patwardhan has researched extensively on several botanicals and guided doctoral students . His pioneering contributions on novel concepts such as Therapeutic Adjuvants, AyuSoft™, AyuGenomics™, Reverse Pharmacology, and Network Pharmacology are widely recognized. His research published in reputed journals is widely cited with a high h index (59) and i10 index (139) that also brings him to be among the top 2% global scientists in this field in the Standford Universities list of scientists. He has contributed significantly to creating awareness regarding predatory publishing and was Chairman of the Consortium for Academic Research Ethics known as UGC-CARE.
He holds 2 US and 8 Indian patents to his credit. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medical Sciences. He has worked on several policy-making committees and Taskforces of National Knowledge Commission, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, United Nations organizations, UNESCAP, World Bank. He has worked on Boards of several Universities and member of important national committees of Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, Department of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research Central and Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
Dr Patwardhan currently serves as the National Research Professor- Ayush with the Indian Ministry of Ayush and as Ayush India lead for WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre. He Co-chaired the WHO External Advisory Group on Traditional Medicine and chairs the Interdisciplinary R & D task force on Covid -19. He also affiliates with Western Sydney University, Australia as adjunct faculty and serves as a Commissioner on the Lancet Citizen’s Commission to Reimagine India’s health system.
Dr Patwardhan served as Chairman National Assessment and Accreditation Council Executive Committee and as Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission, and Chairman i/c Indian Council of Social Science Research. He headed the academics at Manipal Education Group and lead the Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Bengaluru as Director. He also made a stint as a Vice Chancellor of a Deemed University in Pune.
Dr Patwardhan is a popular speaker and has delivered invited lectures at many national and international platforms such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, American Chemical Society, National Institutes of Health USA, University of California, Pennsylvania, Penn State, Illinois, South Florida, George Washington University, Purdue, Johns Hopkins, SUNY, MIT, Harvard, Indian National Science Academy, Indian Pharmacological Society, Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, among many others.
Dr Patwardhan’s work has brought him several accolades including SASTRA Mahamana Award 2024, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Award 2021, Dr. R.P.Devadas Oration 2020, V K Joag Best Teacher Award 2017, , Harihar Mukherjee Award 2015, Gopaldas Parikh Award 2015, Waldemar Haffkine Oration 2014, Sir Ram Nath Chopra Oration 2013, Dr P.K. Devi Oration 2011, Dr C. Dwarkanath Oration 2008 to mention a few.
Dr Patwardhan’s scholarly books ‘Integrative Approaches for Health’ and ‘Innovative Approaches to Drug Discovery’ both published by Academic Press Elsevier have received excellent reviews.
Philosophy
My philosophy is rooted in the belief that the integration of ancient knowledge systems with modern scientific advancements can pave the way for a sustainable and holistic future. As a naturalist, humanist, and agnostic, I approach life with an inquisitive mind, seeking to balance the wisdom of traditional practices with the rigor of contemporary science.
I am dedicated to exploring the convergence of science and spirituality, recognizing that true well-being extends beyond the physical to encompass the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health. This integrative approach is essential in addressing the complex health challenges of our time, particularly in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases and chronic conditions.
My work is driven by a commitment to evidence-based research, aiming to provide validated and practical solutions that enhance public health. I strive to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system by developing collaboration between traditional medicine and conventional healthcare,
In my journey from modern science to meta-science, I remain committed to the principles of righteousness and balance, ensuring that my contributions are both ethical and impactful. My goal is to promote global well-being through the harmonization of diverse knowledge systems, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world.
Education & Honors
| Year | Degree | Field of Study | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | F.N.A.Sc. | Elected Fellow | National Academy of Sciences (India) |
| 2013 | F.N.A.M.S. | Elected Fellow | National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) |
| 2008 | EGMP | Executive General Management Program | Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore |
| 2000 | F.M.A.S. | Fellowship in recognition of original scientific research | Maharashtra Academy of Sciences, Mumbai |
| 1985 | Ph.D. | Biochemistry Thesis: Chemical and Biological Studies on Semecarpus anacardium under supervision of Professor Samuel David | Department of Pharmacology, Haffkine Institute Mumbai and Department of Botany University of Pune |
| 1981 | M.Sc. with First Class | Biochemistry under supervision of Professor John Barnabas | Postgraduate School for Biological Studies University of Pune |
| 1979 | B.Sc. with First Class | Chemistry Major Botany and Geology Minor | Fergusson College, University of Pune |
| 1975 | S.S.C with First Class | Matriculation | Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya High School, Pune |
Postdoctoral Training
| Year | Title | Specialty | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992-1994 | Research Scientist | Pharmaceutical R&D | BioVed Pharmaceuticals Inc. USA |
| 1990-1992 | LiTaka Research Scientist | Pharmaceutical R&D | LiTaka Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Pune |
| 1986-1989 | Manager Research & Development | Pharmaceutical R&D | Eisen Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Pune |
Awards and Prizes
| Year | Name | Organization | Recognition For |
| 2014 | SASTRA Mahamana Award | SASTRA University, Thanjavur | Research in Traditional Medicine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Pune Festival Award | Pune Vyaspeeth – A Citizen Forum | Innovative Contribution to Education and Research |
| 2021 | Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Award | National Board of Examination Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi | Distinguished Service to Nation |
|
2020 |
Dr. Rajammal P Devadas Oration |
Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore |
Excellence in Health Sciences Research |
|
2017 |
Prin V K Joag Memorial Award for Best Teacher |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
Excellence in Teaching |
|
2015 |
Harihar Mukerjee Award |
Society for Ethnopharmacology, Kolkata |
In recognition of research in the field of ethnopharmacology
|
|
2015 |
IASTAM - Gopaldas Parikh Award |
Indian Association for Asian Traditional Medicine |
In recognition of contributions to herbal drug research and development |
|
2014 |
Visiting Professorship |
Indian Institute of Advance Studies, Shimla |
For writing scholarly book on Health |
|
2014 |
Dr. Waldemar Mordecai Haffkine Oration Award |
Haffkine Institute, Parel, Mumbai |
In recognition of significant contributions in biomedical research |
|
2013 |
Conferred Fellowship |
National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi |
In recognition of outstanding research in biomedical sciences |
|
2013 |
Sir Ram Nath Chopra Oration |
Indian Pharmacological Society |
In recognition of outstanding research in medicinal plants |
|
2013 |
Dr P.M. Mehta Oration |
Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar |
In recognition of scientific contributions |
|
2013 |
University Foundation Oration |
KLE University Belgaum |
In recognition of scientific and integrative medicine contributions |
|
2012 |
Excellence in Ayurveda Research Award |
St Laurent Institute, George Washington University |
In recognition of scientific contributions |
|
2011 |
Nutra India Award |
CFTRI (CSIR), Nutraceutical Sumit Mumbai |
for outstanding contributions in nutraceutical research |
|
2011 |
Dr P K Devi Oration Award |
Kasturba Health Society |
In recognition of scientific contributions |
|
2011 |
Dewang Mehta Award |
Management Association |
For Excellence in Education |
|
2009 |
Conferred Fellowship |
Institute Indian of Medicine |
In recognition of research in Ayurveda |
|
2008 |
Dr C. Dwarkanath Oration |
Dwarkanath Trust Bangalore |
In recognition of research on Ayurveda |
|
2000 |
Conferred Fellowship |
Maharashtra Academy of Sciences |
In recognition of scientific research |
|
1993 |
Conferred Fellowship |
International Council of Ayurveda |
In recognition of research in Ayurveda |
|
1992 |
Li Taka Research Scientist Award |
University of Poona |
Pharmaceutical Research in Industry |
|
1992 |
Parkhe Award |
Maratha Chamber of Commerce and Industries |
Industrial Merit Excellence, |
|
1983 |
Best Research Award |
University of Pune |
University Annual Research Seminar competition |
|
1980 |
Prof Arnikar Award |
University of Pune |
for Best Presentation among the graduate students |
Academic Appointments
| Year | Academic Title | Academic Department | Institution | 2023/02 – 2024/01 | Senior Consultant | Global Traditional Medicine Centre | World Health Organization |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2023/01 |
Adjunct Professor |
NICH Health Research Institute |
Western Sydney University Australia |
|
2022/08 - Present |
Chairman Taskforce on Traditional Medicine |
|
National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) |
|
2022/03 - Present |
Chairman Taskforce on Integrative Healthcare |
Department of Ayush |
Government of Madhya Pradesh |
|
2021/07 -Present |
Ayush Lead – WHO Joint Taskforce |
World Health Organization and Ministry of Ayush |
Government of India |
|
2022/03 - Present |
Chairman Executive Committee |
National Assessment and Accreditation Council |
University Grants Commission |
|
2021/03 - Present |
National Research Professor |
AYUSH |
Ministry of AYUSH |
|
2021/03 - Present |
Distinguished Professor |
Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
|
2020/02 - 2021/03 |
Chairman |
Indian Council of Social Science Research |
ICSSR New Delhi |
|
2018/08 - 2021/03 |
Vice Chairman |
University Grants Commission |
UGC New Delhi |
|
06/2016 - 08/2018 |
Director |
Center for Complementary & Integrative Health |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
|
2014/ 01-31/07 |
Visiting Professor |
Institute |
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla |
|
2014 – 2016 |
Honorary Director |
Research |
International Longevity Center, Pune |
|
2011/04 – 2016/01 |
Honorary Research Advisor |
Research and Development |
Institute of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine Bangalore |
|
2011/03 – 2012/08 |
Vice Chancellor |
Symbiosis International University |
Symbiosis Society Pune |
|
2010/08 2011/02 |
Director |
Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine |
FRLHT Bangalore |
|
2006 – 2009 |
Academic Advisor |
Directorate of Distance Education |
Sikkim Manipal University |
|
2005 – 2006 |
Sabbatical Fellowship |
Academics |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
|
2005 – 2006 |
Hon Director |
Center |
International Longevity Center, Pune |
|
1996 /04 – 2019/03 |
Professor |
Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences |
University of Pune |
|
1994 /04 – 1996/03 |
Associate Professor |
Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences |
University of Pune |
|
1996 – 2019 |
Graduate and Doctoral Research Guide |
Faculty of Sciences Health Sciences Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Biomedical Sciences |
University of Pune Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune |
|
1992 – 1993 |
Hon. Joint Director |
Pharmacognosy Research |
Indian Drugs Research Laboratory, Pune |
|
1989 – 1993 |
Chairman |
Interdisciplinary School of Ayurvedic Medicine |
University of Pune |
Other Professional Positions
|
Year |
Position |
Institution |
|
2020/10-Present |
The Lancet Citizens’ Commission on Reimagining India’s Health System |
The Lancet |
|
2020/07 – 2020/12
2019 – 2021/03 |
Co Chair Social Protection Group UN Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery Chairman, Consortium for Academic Research Ethics (CARE) |
United Nations
University Grants Commission |
|
2020 – 2021/03
2013 / 11 – 2016 |
Chairman, Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE) Chairman, Academic Planning and Development Committee |
University Grants Commission
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali |
|
2013 |
Project Advisor |
Canara Bank School of Management Sciences, Bangalore University |
|
2012 |
Honorary Research Advisor |
Institute for Transdisciplinary Research in Health Science & Technology (Karnataka State Private University), Bangalore |
|
2012 – 2016 |
Honorary Scientific Advisor |
Centaur Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
|
2008 – 2016 |
Member Board of Trustees |
Center for Developmental Studies and Activities, Pune |
|
2008 – 2010 |
Member Board of Management |
DY Patil University Pune |
|
2008 – 2010 |
Member Academic Council |
Bharati Vidyapeeth University |
|
2004 – 2005 |
Hon Director and Member Governing Board |
International Longevity Center, Pune |
|
2003 – 2006 |
Member Board of Management of three Deemed Universities as UGC Nominee |
Nomination by the University Grants Commission |
|
1998 -2004 |
Member Board of International Office Agenda 21 |
Pune and Pimpri Chinchawad Municipal Corporations and City of Bremen |
|
1989 – 2016 |
Member Board of Trustees |
Science & Technology Park Society University of Pune |
|
1996 – 2001 |
Scientific Advisor |
Bio Ved Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Jose, US |
|
1988 – 2016 |
Member Board of Trustees and Governing Board |
Indian Drug Research Association, Pune |
Leadership Positions
|
Year |
Position |
Institution |
|
2020/12 - Present |
Member, Joint Task Force for proposed WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine |
Ministry of Ayush and World Health Organization |
|
2020/04 Present |
Chairman, Interdisciplinary AYUSH R&D Task Force on COVID-19 |
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, New Delhi |
|
2019 – 2021/03 |
Chairman, Governing Board |
Consortium for Educational Communication, New Delhi |
|
2011/04 – 2012/09 |
Vice Chancellor |
Deemed University in Pune |
|
2007 2011 |
Convener |
Vision Group, EDGE Forum (a consortium of progressive Indian Universities) |
|
1996 – 2006/05 |
Director |
Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Pune |
|
2006/06 -2009/01 |
Chief of Academics |
Manipal Universal Learning, Bangalore, India |
|
2005 |
Advisor |
Commission on Intellectual Property Innovation and Public Health, World Health Organization, Geneva |
|
2006/03 – 06 |
Convener |
Vision 2020 Committee to develop a long term perspective development plan for University of Pune |
|
2002 – 2004 |
Convener |
Promotion of Indian Higher Education Abroad Committee, University Grants Commission, Government of India |
|
2000 – 2006 |
Member Management Council |
University of Pune |
|
1996 – 2003 |
Advisor and Faculty, Penn in India Program |
University of Pennsylvania |
|
1989 – 2006 |
Member Senate Academic Council (tenured terms) |
University of Pune |
|
1989 – 1994 |
Member Executive Council |
University of Pune |
Committee Service
|
Year |
Name of the Committee |
Institution |
|
||||
|
2021 |
Member, Advisory Group, Ayurveda Academic Chair Program |
National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia |
|||||
|
2021 |
Member, Joint Task Force, Global Centre for Traditional Medicine |
World Health Organization and Ministry of AYUSH |
|
||||
|
2020 |
Member, National Board of Examination - Medical |
NBE (Medical), New Delhi |
|
||||
|
2019 |
Member, SWAYAM Advisory Board |
Ministry of Human Resource Development |
|
||||
|
2017 |
Member, UGC Standing Committee for Notification of Journals |
University Grants Commission |
|
||||
|
2017 |
Chairman, Academic Journals Expert Committee, |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
|
||||
|
2016
|
Member, Research Review Committee, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), |
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2016 |
Member, Inter-Departmental Committee for identifying viable new systems of medicine |
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health Research, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2016 |
Member, Committee for National Policy on AYUSH |
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2016 |
Member, Committee to Review Functioning of Research Councils |
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2016 |
Member, Board of Studies, Pharmaceutical Sciences |
All India Council for Technical Education, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2016 |
Member, Research Policy Committee |
Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University |
|
||||
|
2016 |
Chairman, Board of Studies in Basic Medical Sciences and Health Sciences |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
|
||||
|
2015 |
Member, Research Advisory Council
|
Manipal University, Manipal |
|
||||
|
2015
|
Member, Task Force |
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2015
|
Expert Member, ICMR-DRDO Committee |
Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India
|
|
||||
|
2015 |
Chairman, Committee for ‘Guidelines for Research Publications’ |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
|
||||
|
2014 |
Vice Chairman, Expert Group on Translational Research for Products and Processes from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants |
Department of Biotechnology, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2014 |
Chairman, Ad-hoc Board of Studies, Health Sciences, |
University of Pune |
|
||||
|
2013 |
Chairman, Ad-hoc Board of Studies in Genetics, Immunology, Biochemistry and Nutrition Member Academic Council |
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik |
|
||||
|
2013 |
Expert Member, Working Group on Nutraceuticals, |
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Government of India, New Delhi |
|
||||
|
2013 |
Member Institutional Review Committee |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, A deemed University, Mumbai |
|
||||
|
2013 |
Member, Ayurveda Advisory Committee |
Government of Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) Bhopal, India |
|
||||
|
2013 |
Member Health Center Advisory Committee |
University of Pune |
|
||||
|
2013 |
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee |
Nirma University, Ahmedabad |
|
||||
|
2012 |
Member Advisory Board |
Vanarai Trust Pune – an NGO dedicated to nature and environment conservation |
|
||||
|
2011 |
Member Research Council, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow |
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
|
||||
|
2011 |
Chairman, Mission Group on Traditional Knowledge |
Government of Karnataka, Bangalore |
|
||||
|
2010 |
Member Research Advisory Committee, Regional Medical research Center Belgaum |
Indian Council of Medical Research |
|
||||
|
2010 |
Member Inter-sectoral Innovation Council |
Department of AYUSH Government of India |
|
||||
|
2009 |
Chairman Research Monitoring Committee of Center of Relevance and Excellence in Pharmacogenomics, Manipal University |
Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2009 |
Member International Council Research Committee AYUSH |
Government of India |
|
||||
|
2010/08
|
Leader and Member of Indian Delegation Indo-South Africa Bilateral Cooperation in Science & Technology |
Medical Research Council of South Africa and University of Western Cape, University of Pretoria, Durban University, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa |
|
||||
|
2009 |
Chairman, Endogenous Development Program with cooperation of Universities from Africa, Latin America and India |
Capacity and Theory Building for Universities and Research Centres for Endogenous Development (CAPTURED) Program, Dutch Ministry for Development Coopeartion, The Netherlands. |
|
||||
|
2006 |
Member Research Advisory Committee |
Jana Prabodhini Research Institute Pune |
|
||||
|
2008 |
Member Subcommittee, Karnataka Knowledge Commission |
Government of Karnataka |
|
||||
|
2002 |
Member, Academic Advisory Board, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research |
Government of India |
|
||||
|
2006 |
Chairman, Working group on Traditional Knowledge |
National Knowledge Commission, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2005 |
Member Task force 11th Five Year Plan |
Planning Commission, Government of India |
|
||||
|
2002 |
Co Chair, Biotechnology Committee, |
Maratha Chamber of Commerce and Industries |
|
||||
|
2002 |
Chairman Steering Committee, New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative, Arthritis Herbal Drug Development Group |
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
|
||||
|
2000 |
Member Task force for Maharashtra Biotechnology Policy |
Government of Maharashtra |
|
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|
1999 |
Member Organizing Committee, Local Organizing Secretary and Chief coordinator |
87th Indian Science Congress, Pune |
|
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