Johns Hopkins University to tackle TB, boost women in STEMM, eyes India campus

Johns Hopkins University, one of the top in the world, has expanded its century-long ties with India. It has launched a TB programme and a fellowship for women in STEMM. It is also discussing establishing campus in India.

In Short

• JHU expands TB-Free Schools Initiative to 4 regions in 3 Indian states
• 12-month fellowship launched for women scientists in India
• Dharmendra Pradhan holds discussions with JHU officials about establishing a campus in India

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) based in Maryland, USA, has announced two major initiatives in India aimed at tackling pressing national challenges—paediatric tuberculosis (TB) and the underrepresentation of women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

These programmes, announced at a Delhi event on Monday celebrating a century of India's tie-ups with JHU, reflect the university's commitment to innovation and collaboration with Indian institutions, something that has continued for 100 years now.

Moreover, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also held talks with JHU officials on Sunday regarding establishing a campus in India.

TB-FREE SCHOOLS INITIATIVE TO EXPAND

In its effort to combat paediatric TB, JHU is scaling its TB-Free Schools Initiative, which has already achieved remarkable success in Himachal Pradesh, reducing TB cases in residential schools by 87%. The initiative will now expand to Pune and Satara (Maharashtra), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

The programme focuses on detecting and treating active and latent TB among students in day schools. It also provides education, counselling, and linkage to care.

A collaboration with the Government of India, AIIMS Gorakhpur, the Serum Institute of India, and the Mukul Madhav Foundation, this initiative aims to create a sustainable model for nationwide deployment.

Dr Urvashi B Singh, Deputy Director General, Central Tuberculosis Division, commented, “Addressing childhood TB is critical for eliminating tuberculosis in India. This initiative offers cost-effective screening methods that can be deployed in schools nationwide.”

BOOSTING WOMEN IN STEMM CAREERS

Recognising the barriers faced by women in STEMM careers, JHU is launching a career advancement fellowship to support 40 early-career Indian women scientists.

This programme, part of the US-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment, will offer a 12-month fellowship featuring technical training, leadership development, structured mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Despite women constituting 43% of STEMM graduates in India—a higher percentage than many wealthier nations—they make up just 17% of the research workforce. JHU aims to bridge gaps such as lack of mentorship and gender bias.

Ronald J Daniels, President of JHU, stated, “India is a place of tremendous talent and opportunity, and Johns Hopkins values its enduring collaborations in India and their impact.”

TALKS ABOUT A JHU CAMPUS IN INDIA

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday held discussions with JHU officials about establishing a campus in India, which also covered academic and research collaborations.

According to a senior Ministry of Education official, “Given the keen interest expressed by the high-level delegation during the meeting, the government is hopeful of a positive outcome very soon.”

Discussions included dual and joint degree programmes, two-way mobility for students and faculty, and research collaborations in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and futuristic technologies.

During the meeting, Pradhan emphasised the transformative opportunities provided by the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). The policy has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations and enhancing India’s higher education ecosystem.

A HISTORIC VISIT BY JHU OFFICIALS

The 12-member JHU delegation, led by President Ronald J Daniels, is the largest ever from a top US university to visit India.

It includes representatives from the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII), an internal unit focused on strengthening JHU's partnerships with India through research, education, and policy initiatives.

Ranked among the world’s top universities, JHU is renowned for its contributions to research, medicine, and education. Known for pioneering efforts in public health and biomedical engineering, it often ranks within the top 15–20 in global rankings like QS and THE.

JHU operates 10 campuses, two of which are outside the US — in Bologna, Italy, and Nanjing, China. These serve as hubs for global academic programmes, fostering cross-cultural exchange and professional development.

As part of their multi-city Indian tour, the delegation will visit Indian university campuses and engage with government officials, academic leaders, and embassy representatives. This initiative aims to expand JHU’s presence in India and further internationalisation efforts.