Apollo Hospitals unveils Research Academy to propel global healthcare breakthroughs

New Delhi: Apollo Hospitals has unveiled the Apollo Research Academy, an initiative designed to position India as a global healthcare research and innovation leader.

This new venture, led by Professor Ravi P. Mahajan CBE, aims to integrate the research efforts of Apollo Health Education and Research Foundation (AHERF), Apollo University, Apollo Research Centre, and other key entities within the Apollo ecosystem to create a world-renowned hub for healthcare research.

The Apollo Research Academy will focus on five core areas: capacity and culture, sponsored research, investigator-driven or grant-funded research, data sciences, and innovation. These areas will be developed through a strategic framework that includes educational programs,  skill-enhancing events, resource sharing and ambitious collaborative projects for research and innovation. 

The Academy will also prioritize partnerships with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and build consortiums around national and international research priorities. Additionally, it will develop innovation hubs and accelerators to transform innovative ideas into practical healthcare solutions. A special emphasis will be placed on establishing an internationally recognized Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized, “The Apollo Research Academy embodies the spirit of “One Apollo,” leveraging the collective strengths of the group’s diverse research and educational organizations. This strategic alignment is designed to enhance Apollo’s research potential, foster collaboration, and build partnerships with eminent national and international funding and research organizations. By integrating the expertise of these entities, the Academy aims to transition from being “research active” to becoming a global leader in healthcare research and innovation, with a significant impact on healthcare and policy.”

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, highlighted, “Our ambition is to establish a world-class Academy that will drive innovation, facilitate groundbreaking research, and position Apollo as a preferred partner for industry and academic collaborations globally. Apollo Hospitals already have the building blocks to delve deeper into education and research. The ARA will act as a natural extension arm that will propel Apollo beyond current achievements and focus on the future of medicine.”

The Apollo Research Academy will operate under a three-tier governance structure to ensure effective oversight. The Executive Steering Group, led by Preetha Reddy, will provide strategic direction, while a Program Board, comprised of heads of member organizations, will manage day-to-day operations. Individual project boards will handle specific initiatives and consortiums.