SRM University-AP had the privilege of hosting Prof. Sasee Pallikadavath, Professor of Demography and Global Health at the University of Portsmouth, UK. A globally renowned scholar, Prof. Pallikadavath is widely recognised for his expertise in low fertility, health systems, health inequalities, family planning, women’s autonomy and well-being, HIV and AIDS research.
The visit was organised to create meaningful academic exchanges, explore collaborative opportunities, and deepen engagement in areas of public health research and capacity building.
With over two decades of impactful research, Prof. Pallikadavath has worked extensively across India, Indonesia, several African nations, and the UK. His projects range from demographic health surveys and fertility research to international migration studies and health policy evaluations. His work has been instrumental in shaping perspectives on traditional family planning methods, maternal and child health, and women’s empowerment in developing countries.
Prof. Pallikadavath has also led multi-country projects funded by prestigious organisations such as the Medical Research Council (UK), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the British Council. His studies have addressed implementation research, migration, antibiotic misuse, and innovative AI-driven decision support systems in healthcare.
During his visit, Prof. Pallikadavath engaged with the Deans, faculty, researchers, and Ph.D. scholars of SRM University-AP. He emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research—bringing together social sciences, health systems, computer science, and public policy to tackle contemporary global health challenges.
He also shared insights from his ongoing projects, including:
- Revisiting fertility decline in India with a focus on Andhra Pradesh
- Developing AI-assisted tools for antibiotic prescription monitoring
- Cross-country studies on sexual and reproductive health policies
- Exploring migration trends and their socio-economic implications
His discussions highlighted the potential of collaborative research between SRM University-AP and international institutions, particularly in public health innovation and global demographic studies.
The session concluded with a roadmap to pursue joint grant applications, capacity-building workshops, and faculty-student collaborations. Prof. Pallikadavath’s visit has laid the foundation for strengthening SRM University-AP’s global research footprint in areas of health systems, population studies, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
