How we work with health institutions, reach our local community, and care for the health of our students and staff, alongside the health research that comes out of our labs.
UPES report on Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, 2025–26.
1Health research
UPES researchers publish widely on health, from cancer and infectious disease to AI diagnostics and drug discovery. The figures below cover UPES research publications on health from 2021 to 2025 (source: Scopus, October 2026).
1,334health research publications, 2021–2025
31,800+citations to these papers
23.9citations per paper
39%open access
926journal articles and reviews
What the research covers
Number of 2021–2025 health papers on each theme (a paper can appear under more than one).
Theme
Papers
Cancer
277
Infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance
272
AI and digital health
166
Drug discovery and delivery
114
Environment and health
114
Mental health and neuroscience
84
Diabetes and metabolic disease
79
Women's and maternal health
77
Cardiovascular health
35
Nutrition and food
27
Most cited work
UPES researchers contribute to the Global Burden of Disease studies in The Lancet and other leading journals. The most cited 2021–2025 papers are:
Dr Nidhi Chauhan and her team in the School of Health Sciences and Technology won a BIRAC grant to set up the SWACHH (Social Wellness, Agriculture, Clean and Hospitable Habitat) Incubation Centre, the first SPARSH-BIRAC centre in Uttarakhand. Over five years it will mentor young social innovators building affordable prototypes in public health, climate resilience and farm-to-plate food.
PhD scholar Reema Rawat and Prof Ashish Mathur developed a low-cost portable device that screens for cervical cancer, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, so women in remote areas without advanced hospitals can be tested. Reema also built an ultrasensitive sensor for the HER-2 breast cancer biomarker, published in Nanoscale (2025), which won a UPES PhD Spotlight Award, and she received the FABA Young Innovator Award 2024.
Prof Padma Venkat, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Technology, uses traditional herbs and fruits to address anaemia and nutrition. Her work also includes a copper-based water purification device and training rural women in green technologies, safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Building empathy in nurses
Dr Manisha Mohan's PhD, supervised by Dr Naveen Kumar, showed how immersive media and game-based learning can build empathy among nursing professionals in India. It won the UPES PhD Best Thesis Award.
Prof Ashwini K. Nangia, Dean of Research and Development, received the Visitor's Award for Research 2023 for developing pharmaceutical cocrystals that make drugs more soluble and effective at lower cost. The approach suits India's generic drug industry and supports affordable treatment for diabetes, heart disease and cancer, with several candidates in the clinical pipeline.
Prof Ashwini K. Nangia receives the Visitor's Award for Research 2023.
New health research grants, 2025
Four School of Health Sciences and Technology researchers won ANRF Early Career Research Grants in 2025 for health projects (R&D Newsletter Jan–Jun 2025).
Dr Divya Tripathi
An AI-powered wearable for early detection of menstrual disorders such as PCOS and endometriosis, to be validated in clinical trials.
Dr Souradeep Roy
An affordable point-of-care nano-biosensor for early detection of diabetes and heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).
Prof Anand Gaurav
Dual PDE1B/PDE10A inhibitors as new drug candidates for schizophrenia, targeting symptoms current medicines treat poorly.
Dr Suchita Pande
Nanoparticles that activate MLK3 in the heart to prevent heart failure caused by high blood pressure.
More highlights
Drug discovery. The Centre of Inter-disciplinary Research and Innovation held a "Drug Discovery: From Bench to Bedside" workshop on 2 September 2025, with a keynote by a CSIR Distinguished Scientist and faculty sessions on early disease diagnosis, cancer drug discovery and AI in drug development. (Newsletter, p. 17)
Water and health. UPES co-hosted IFAWET-2025 with the University of Tokyo, IIT Roorkee, NIH and Tecnológico de Monterrey, featuring low-cost sensors that detect heavy metals and microbial contamination in drinking water. (Newsletter, p. 37)
Healthcare engineering. Dr Ashish Mathur was an invited speaker at the Frontiers of Engineering for Healthcare conference (IIT Gandhinagar and Gujarat Technological University, 10–12 December 2025), on advanced diagnostics, biomedical devices and AI in healthcare. (Newsletter, p. 35)
The keynote at the "Drug Discovery: From Bench to Bedside" workshop, 2 September 2025.Low-cost water quality sensors presented at IFAWET-2025, co-hosted by UPES.Dr Ashish Mathur at the Frontiers of Engineering for Healthcare conference, December 2025.
Patents for health
In UPES's mapping of its intellectual property to the Sustainable Development Goals, Good Health and Well-being is the fourth-largest of the ten goals the portfolio covers, after industry and innovation, affordable and clean energy, and sustainable cities (UPES R&D, December 2025).
813patents filed
139patents granted
943designs
558copyrights
4thSDG 3's rank among the 10 goals in UPES's IP portfolio
UPES works with health institutions locally, nationally and internationally to improve health outcomes through joint research, training and innovation.
Local. Since 2008 UPES has worked with Sewa Bharti, a healthcare and relief NGO, to run a free medical mobile van for nearby villages. In April 2024 the university ran a blood collection drive with Mahant Indresh Hospital and IMA Dehradun. An industry partnership with Wockhardt also connects students and faculty with healthcare practice. In Dehradun, the School of Health Sciences and Technology has tied up with Doon Medical College for joint research projects, exchange of students and visiting scholars, joint conferences and internships.
National. The School of Health Sciences and Technology has signed MoUs with AIIMS Rishikesh and Drishti Eye Institute. The AIIMS Rishikesh MoU, signed in December 2021, sets up a long-term alliance to build health infrastructure for the people of Uttarakhand, with exchange of students and visiting scholars, joint research projects and conferences, and internships. The two institutes have developed major research collaborations in microbiology, biochemistry and clinical research, with jointly authored papers in health and diagnostics. Drishti Eye Institute and Merck are further partners. Prof Bhuvanesh Gupta, who joined UPES in April 2025, brings research collaborations on medical textiles and biomaterials with AIIMS New Delhi, PGI Chandigarh and the Indian Institute of Ayurveda.
Global. An MoU with Taipei Medical University, Taiwan (QS subject rank 101–150 in Pharmacy and Pharmacology), supports student and researcher exchange and joint research in pharmaceutical and health sciences. Leipzig University, Germany, works with the School of Health Sciences and Technology on One Health challenges in the Himalaya.
UPES students and staff run health programmes in the communities around our Dehradun campuses, including free medical camps and menstrual health awareness drives.
Local communities
Disadvantaged people
The UPES Department of Social Outreach leads this work with NGOs, hospitals and local health workers.
Health care where it is hardest to reach
Free health camps. Doctors and nurses from the UPES Infirmary hold camps in underserved villages, including Misraspatti, Kharakhet and Dhaulas, checking blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate and ENT health, and giving out medicines free.
Medical mobile van. With Sewa Bharti, a free mobile van has taken a doctor and medicines to nearby villages since 2008. Student volunteers help patients understand their medication and care.
Ending period poverty. Through Project Lakhon Khawahishen, UPES and the women-led organisation DivIn Pro give reusable menstrual cups to about 1,200 women from the university's ground staff and 13 villages.
NSS volunteers. NSS UPES, a unit of more than 450 student volunteers, runs blood donation and cleanliness drives in the community. On a village day during its 7-day camp, volunteers used nukkad natak (street theatre) to talk with villagers about hygiene, menstrual health and sustainability.
Keeping children safe. Under the Srijan programme, the UPES Legal Aid Clinic and CSR team ran "Good Touch, Bad Touch" body-safety sessions for children at government schools in Kharakhet, Misraspatti, Kandoli and Hariyawala.
Adolescent girls' health. The UPES Social Internship Team and student society GS3 worked with an NGO in Than village to talk with girls aged 13 to 18 about reproductive and sexual health, and handed out sanitary kits.
A "Good Touch, Bad Touch" session at a government school near UPES.Children at a government school near UPES after a body-safety session.Doctor at the doorstep: the free medical mobile van, run with Sewa Bharti, brings consultations and medicines to villages near UPES.Project Lakhon Khawahishen: women from villages near UPES at a menstrual health session, part of a drive to end period poverty for about 1,200 women.
Promoting healthy living
Blood donation. A three-day drive across both campuses in April 2024, run with Mahant Indresh Hospital and IMA Dehradun, collected 1,303 units of blood.
Nutrition. For Poshan Maah, the School of Health Sciences & Technology trained Anganwadi and ASHA workers from Sahaspur Block in nutrition, food fortification and hygiene, with low-cost recipes using local ingredients.
Fitness. About 300 students and 100 staff ran the 5 km Run for Tomorrow marathon in September 2023 to promote healthy lifestyles and a drug-free society.
Menstrual equity. UPES student Ritika Panwar founded Project Yoni, an NGO that breaks stigma around menstrual health.
Nutrition street plays. In May to July 2026, B.Sc. Nutrition students took street plays into underserved communities to bust myths about anaemia and explain why fortified foods matter in everyday diets.
School health camp. As part of a 7-day NSS camp, UPES students ran a Health Day camp for about 100 children at a government school in Pondha, designed as hands-on activities rather than a lecture.
Anaemia-free campus. The "Anemia: An Unconquered Battle" campaign raises awareness of anaemia, which affects more than half of women of reproductive age in India, alongside on-campus health screening.
B.Sc. Nutrition students perform a street play on anaemia myths and fortified nutrition.NSS volunteers lead a Health Day camp for about 100 children at a government school in Pondha.An on-campus women's health screening held during the anaemia-free campus campaign.NSS UPES village day during the 7-day camp.
UPES shares some of its sports facilities with the local community free of charge, so that neighbours, schools and young people can stay active.
Free access to some facilities
The floodlit cricket ground, which hosts regional tournaments, with basketball and volleyball courts alongside.The floodlit natural-turf football ground, used for training, matches and regional tournaments.
Facilities on campus
Cricket grounds. Premium natural turf, floodlights for night matches, locker rooms and team dugouts. The grounds host regional cricket tournaments, giving athletes from outside the university a competitive venue.
Cricket nets. Natural and cemented turf nets with floodlights for year-round batting, bowling and fielding practice, for beginners through to advanced players.
Football ground. A floodlit natural turf field with professional markings and goalposts, used for training, matches and regional tournaments.
Basketball courts. High-quality synthetic courts built for safe, consistent play in matches and training.
Volleyball courts. Outdoor synthetic courts with regulation markings for men's and women's teams, for competitive and recreational play.
Badminton courts. Two indoor courts for year-round play, with a third being added.
Table tennis. Tournament-quality tables for training, casual play and official competitions.
Gymnasium. A fully equipped fitness centre with cardio, strength and conditioning equipment and professional trainers.
Recreation room. Snooker, pool, air hockey and table tennis, a place to unwind between classes and sport.
The indoor badminton courts, open for play all year round.Table tennis, with tournament-quality tables for training and competitions.The outdoor volleyball courts, used by both men's and women's teams.The synthetic basketball courts, built for safe, consistent play.Floodlit cricket nets for year-round batting and bowling practice.The gymnasium, with cardio, strength and conditioning equipment and professional trainers.The recreation room, a space to unwind between classes and sport.Cricket on the UPES ground during Spandan 3.0.Spandan 3.0 brought students and staff together to compete.
The facilities come alive during Spandan, the annual sports fest. Spandan 3.0, which began on 16 November, brought students, faculty and non-academic staff together to compete.
The Department of Sports, led by a Director of Sports with a sports officer and coaches, manages the facilities. Contact: upes.sports@ddn.upes.ac.in.
Students at UPES get free, confidential sexual and reproductive health care, along with information and education.
Free access
Medical centres on the Bidholi and Kandoli campuses offer confidential consultations with a female medical officer. Consultations and medicines are free.
Gynaecological health lectures are held for female students, alongside wider health talks and World Health Day sessions.
Sanitary napkin vending machines are installed in girls' hostels and washrooms.
Awareness sessions on menstrual health and contraception are held every year.
Every registered student is medically insured for ₹1,00,000, including cover for road accidents, with referral to nearby hospitals when specialist care is needed. Staff are insured too.
The medical team includes two female doctors, so students can choose to see a woman doctor.
Medical care on both campuses
24×7medical and emergency services
2medical health centres, one per campus
10day-care beds
4doctors, with a resident doctor on each campus
6nursing assistants and pharmacists
2BLS ambulances
The Medical Health Centre at the Bidholi campus.The 6-bed day-care area at the Bidholi infirmary.The Kandoli infirmary with its BLS ambulance on standby.First-aid and CPR training for security staff at the Kandoli campus.
A menstrual equity session for UPES students, faculty and staff, held at the launch of Project Yoni, a student-founded NGO working to end period poverty.
6Mental health support for students
Every UPES student can get free, confidential mental health support, any time of day.
Active promotion of good mental health
Free mental health support
Free support
On-campus counselling centre. A full-time psychological counsellor and a team of trained professionals offer one-to-one and group counselling for academic stress, personal difficulties and low mood. The university funds the service, so students pay nothing.
We Care, 24×7. Under the UPES Cares programme, a round-the-clock counselling helpline supports students, faculty, staff and their families.
Sanjeevani with Practo. Students can consult doctors, psychologists and therapists online through Practo at no cost.
Clinical psychologist. A clinical psychologist provides crisis intervention and counselling so that students' studies do not suffer.
We Care package. Every student is covered by the We Care Wellness and Health Insurance Plan, which supports both mental and physical health.
Dean of Student Welfare. A single office coordinates counselling referrals, mentoring and grievance redressal, and every student is paired with a faculty mentor.
To book a confidential counselling session, students can contact Dr Veena Krishnan, counselling contact, at vkrishnan@ddn.upes.ac.in.
Promoting good mental health
UPES runs wellness programmes, workshops on resilience, time management and exam stress, support groups, and yoga and meditation sessions. The clinical psychologist leads psycho-educational programmes on common mental and emotional health issues throughout the year, and Manoshakti, the student mental health club, keeps the conversation going among peers. Life skills are taught through the School for Life curriculum. In 2025 the Research and Development leadership also led a trekking expedition for PhD scholars focused on fitness, mindfulness and mental clarity.
PhD scholars on a wellness trek led by the R&D leadership, focused on fitness, mindfulness and mental clarity.
Students as first responders. Through the SAARTHI Community Mental Health Training Program, students learn active listening and emotional first response so they can support peers and the community.
World Mental Health Day. On 10 October 2024, Manoshakti, the student emotional well-being club, hosted a workshop led by counsellor Dr Veena Krishnan on prioritising mental health in the workplace. The School of Liberal Studies and Media also ran a two-day Mental Health Day event across both campuses on 7–8 October 2024.
Suicide prevention. On 15 October 2024, MBA students joined an online session on mental health and suicide prevention with speaker and trainer Anne Moss Rogers.
Student research. UPES psychology students research depression, suicide prevention and campus safety with partners including UC San Diego, UCLA and Miami University.
Spaces to unwind. Both campuses have a social space called Buzz, with lounge seating and table tennis, where students can relax and meet between classes.
The Buzz social space at Kandoli.Students relax in the Bidholi Buzz.Students train as mental health first responders under SAARTHI.The Mental Health Day event, October 2024.Manoshakti's World Mental Health Day workshop, 10 October 2024.UPES psychology students, who research depression and suicide prevention.Small-group practice during the SAARTHI first-responder training.A peer discussion circle at the Mental Health Day event.Opening the World Mental Health Day session, 10 October 2024.MBA students at the mental health and suicide prevention session.The online session with mental health trainer Anne Moss Rogers, 15 October 2024.
UPES is a 100% smoke-free campus. Smoking and tobacco use are not allowed anywhere on campus or within 100 metres outside it.
Smoke-free campus
The ban covers academic buildings, hostels, sports areas, dining spaces and open grounds. UPES runs regular awareness activities on the harm caused by tobacco, and signs across campus remind students, staff and visitors of the rules, including the legal ban on selling tobacco near the university.
The staff Code of Conduct also bans smoking, alcohol and non-prescribed drugs on all UPES premises, vehicles and duty locations, and the same rule applies to students and visitors.
Signage at the UPES campus warns that selling tobacco near the university is an offence under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
UPES faculty, staff and their families get free, confidential mental health support around the clock.
Active promotion of good mental health
Free mental health support
Main Hoon Na. The UPES Employee Assistance Program, whose name means "I am here for you", offers a 24-hour confidential counselling helpline through the True Wellness app, free for employees and their immediate families.
We Care and Sanjeevani. Staff can also use the 24×7 We Care helpline and free online consultations through Practo, and receive complimentary health screenings with Max Healthcare.
Told about support from day one. Every new employee's HR induction covers the Employee Assistance Programme, wellness initiatives and health insurance, and how to reach them; more than 500 employees were inducted in 2024 and 2025.
Well-being at work. Wellness challenges, fitness programmes and Manthan town-hall discussions encourage healthy habits and open conversation.
Challengers Cup. From 3 to 9 December 2025, faculty and staff from academic and non-academic teams competed in cricket, badminton, table tennis, volleyball and chess, with eight men's and eight women's cricket teams, to promote health, team spirit and work-life balance.
Champions at the Challengers Cup 2025.Women employees celebrate at the Challengers Cup, December 2025.
36 events from UPES schools and departments support this goal. Each links to the original LinkedIn post.
School of Business
Igniting the MBA Journey: 14 Days of Transformation
From trekking through mountain trails to analyzing markets and financial strategies, the MBA Foundation course Program at the School of Business, UPES wasn’t just…
The Leading Self session with Alex H. from #Nottingham Business School was an incredible success! From mastering emotional intelligence to embracing resilience and a…
A recent visit of the delegates from the University of Malta at UPES has opened promising avenues to…
A recent visit of the delegates from the University of Malta at UPES has opened promising avenues to explore how #AI and healthcare can converge to address global…
SDG 3SDG 9SDG 17
School of Computer Science
We are proud to share that Dr. Dr. Rakesh Ranjan, Assistant Professor, AI Cluster, School of Computer…
We are proud to share that Dr. Dr. Rakesh Ranjan, Assistant Professor, AI Cluster, School of Computer Science (SoCS), UPES, represented the university at the 47th…
At SoCS & SoAE, we believe in preparing students for the future with real-world learning experiences. In an enriching workshop, students had the opportunity to engage…
SDG 3SDG 4SDG 9
School of Computer Science · 6 – 13 January 2026
Faculty Development Programme on Emerging Frontiers in Speech & Language Technologies
The School of Computer Science , UPES Dehradun, in collaboration with the Electronics & ICT Academy, IIITDM Jabalpur (MeitY, Government of India), invites faculty,…
School of Health Sciences and Technology · 9th–10th September, 2025
Advancing Nutrition for a Healthier Nation
The School of Health Sciences and Technology at UPES proudly announces the National Conference on Food Fortification in Overcoming Anemia and Micronutrient…
Utthan 2025 – Annual Fest of UPES School Of Health Sciences & Technology, UPES
A vibrant celebration of #knowledge, #innovation, and achievement, Utthan 2025 brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders at the School of Health…
The halls of SOHST came alive as fresh minds walked in with curiosity, courage, and commitment. Over two immersive days, the induction programme welcomed…
Students of School of Health Sciences & Technology had an insightful session with Dr. Vannajan Sanghiran Lee from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, on Quantum…
Ayurveda & Immunity: Bridging Tradition with Science
The SoHST Symposium brought together renowned experts to explore the power of Ayurveda in enhancing immunity and overall well-being. Through insightful discussions,…
We’re thrilled to share that SoHST, UPES successfully concluded a 5-day Faculty Development Program on…
We’re thrilled to share that SoHST, UPES successfully concluded a 5-day Faculty Development Program on “Healthcare Analytics & Life Sciences with SAS” in…
The School of Health Sciences & Technology Studies (SOHTS), UPES, has inaugurated a new dedicated Research Laboratory — a strategic addition to its expanding research…
B. Pharm (First & Final Year) students from the School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, visited the Centre for Aromatic Plants, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttarakhand…
WCHST 2026 | Advancing Global Health Through Science & Technology
The World Congress on Health Sciences and Technology (WCHST 2026), hosted by the School of Health Sciences & Technology, UPES, invites abstract submissions from the…
Thought Leadership Through Global Academic Collaboration
UPES continues to expand its global academic footprint through faculty-led engagement at leading international universities. Such global assignments reflect the…
Masterclass Spotlight: Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Public Health Action
At the School of Health Sciences & Technology, every masterclass is designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world public health challenges. We recently…
Advancing Frontiers in Public Health: A Masterclass on the Future of Universal Influenza Vaccines
The School of Health Sciences & Technology at UPES hosted an illuminating guest masterclass by Dr. Suresh Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology, Purdue…
Empowering the Next Generation of Food Safety Leaders | #FOSTAC Training at UPES
In an era dominated by packaged foods, ensuring safety isn’t just regulation - it’s responsibility. The School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES Dehradun,…
On the occasion of World Pharmacists Day, the School of Health Science and Technology hosted an inspiring…
On the occasion of World Pharmacists Day, the School of Health Science and Technology hosted an inspiring session with Dr. Akram Ahmad, PhD (CEO, Academically…
The School of Health Sciences and Technology (SoHST), UPES was proud to host an inspiring session on “Food Security, Health Sciences and Technology: Pathways to a…
Building a Healthier Tomorrow through Research & Collaboration
The School of Health Sciences and Technology (SoHST), UPES successfully hosted a two-day National Conference on Food Fortification to Combat Anemia and Micronutrient…
Decoding Forest Health Through Real-World Challenges
At UPES School of Health Sciences & Technology, students engaged in an immersive Forest Health Challenge workshop, stepping into roles like microbiologists and…
Taking knowledge beyond the classroom, our B. Sc. Nutrition students stepped into underserved communities to drive meaningful change. Through an engaging street play,…
Beyond Awareness: UPES Health Sciences Students Explore Sustainability in Action
The School of Health Sciences and Technology at UPES recently hosted a thought-provoking session titled “Reimagining Responsibility: Volunteerism, Circular…
UPES School of Law recently hosted an insightful session titled “Mastering Counselling Skills in Law” with…
UPES School of Law recently hosted an insightful session titled “Mastering Counselling Skills in Law” with Mr. Vineet Vij, General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at…
We welcome you to an extraordinary celebration of legal prowess, camaraderie, and excellence. Join us from 5th to 7th of April 2024, as aspiring legal minds from…
Interdisciplinary Learning in Action: #Neuropsychology Meets Liberal Studies
The School of Liberal Studies & Humanities (SOLHS), UPES, recently hosted an enriching global classroom experience with Dr. Knut Hestad, renowned neuropsychologist…
Anemia-Free Campus: “Anemia – An Unconquered Battle”
Low hemoglobin level indicates that the person is anemic. In India, more than a half of all women at reproductive age have anemia. Failure to reduce anemia consigns…
One of the most fulfilling days of my academic journey so far and it happened in a government school courtyard in Bidholi, surrounded by a hundred young, curious…
Welcoming onboard Padma Venkat as the Dean for the School of Health Sciences and Technology. She brings with her 31+ years of experience in the fields of…
Empowering Students as Mental Health First Responders
From Awareness to Action: Building First Responders for Mental Health The Community Mental Health Training Program under SAARTHI empowered students to move beyond…
I was proud to be part of the Mental Health Day event held over two days, October 7-8, 2024, organised by School of Liberal Studies and Media, UPES across UPES…
On 15th October, MBA CORE batch 4 had an insightful online session on mental health with Ms. Anne Moss Rogers , mental health speaker and trainer. The session…
On World Mental Health Day ,10th October 2024, Manoshakti - The Emotional Wellbeing Club of UPES, had the privilege of hosting an insightful workshop led by Veena K.…
Psychology Research on Depression and Suicide Prevention
At UPES, psychology students aren’t just learning theories—they are actively shaping the future of mental health. Through groundbreaking research collaborations with…
