NE EDUCATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, NOV 11
In a remarkable international recognition, Dr. Vidhya Venugopal, Professor of Environmental Health Engineering at the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), has been elected as a Fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini, Italy — an independent global academy comprising 180 distinguished experts from over 40 countries working towards advancing occupational and environmental health worldwide.
Dr. Vidhya’s pioneering research on climate change and occupational heat stress — covering nearly 6,000 workers across more than 100 informal workplaces in India, Southeast Asia, and Central America — has received wide acclaim for its scientific depth and social impact. Her work has influenced health and safety policy frameworks, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme heat and environmental risk.
Collegium Ramazzini President, Prof. Melissa A. McDiarmid, commended Dr. Vidhya’s contribution, noting that her “pioneering studies on occupational heat stress have set new benchmarks in understanding climate-linked health risks, especially in developing nations.”
Expressing gratitude for the honour, Dr. Vidhya Venugopal said, “This recognition strengthens my commitment to ensuring safer workplaces for those most affected by rising temperatures and environmental challenges. I hope it inspires young researchers to pursue science that directly serves communities.”
Founded in 1982 and named after the 18th-century Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini, regarded as the father of occupational medicine, the Collegium Ramazzini continues to bring together scientists who work to protect human health through research, advocacy, and evidence-based policy.
With this election, SRIHER further cements its place among India’s leading global contributors to public health, climate resilience, and environmental safety.
