Our Bureau
Ottawa
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, has been named among the 10 exceptional individuals who will receive honorary degrees from Canada’s prestigious McGill University as part of the Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies. Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies will take place from Tuesday, May 28, to Wednesday, June 5.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is a globally recognized leader in public health and infectious diseases. A paediatrician and a renowned researcher on tuberculosis and HIV, Dr. Swaminathan has more than 40 years’ experience in clinical care and research and has worked throughout her career to translate research into effective programs.
In 2017, Dr Swaminathan joined the World Health Organization as Deputy Director General (Program), and, in March 2019, was named its first Chief Scientist, a role she filled until late 2022. Swaminathan’s leadership at the forefront of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in coordinating research efforts, disseminating crucial information, and advising policymakers on effective strategies to control the spread of the virus.
More than two centuries old, McGill, a public research university in Montreal, grants honorary degrees to individuals “who have lifetime records of outstanding scholarly, scientific, or artistic achievement, or of exceptional contributions to the public good through professional or philanthropic activity,” an announcement by the University said.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse array of leaders whose contributions span disciplines, industries, and continents. “The conferral of an honorary degree, McGill’s highest honour, is both a recognition of the transformative power of individual achievement and a celebration of the values and aspirations that unite our community,” said Deep Saini, President of McGill. “Each a poignant testament to the limitless possibilities of human endeavour, our honorary doctorate recipients are wonderful role models for the Class of 2024, and an inspiration to us all.”
