Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Hosts Inaugural Symposium for Academic Responsibility in a Fragmented World

30 experts from 22 countries convene to examine academia's role in upholding truth, scientific integrity, and social accountability in a fragmented world

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 16 February 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai hosted a landmark symposium titled "Academic Responsibility in a Fragmented World". The event, held in partnership with the World Health Summit (WHS) and The Lancet, brought together global health leaders, academia, industry experts and regional stakeholders to deliberate on how academic institutions can serve as catalysts for social good.

MAHE Dubai is the first campus in the GCC region to convene this global academic dialogue in partnership with the World Health Summit. Speaking on why MAHE chose to host this landmark initiative, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said: "The theme, academic responsibility in a fragmented world, resonates deeply with our founding vision. Manipal Academy of Higher Education came into existence because of societal needs. Late Dr. T.M.A. Pai, almost 70–80 years ago, emphasized empowering society with quality education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equity. We are not a university now looking to deliver on societal needs, we were established on that very foundation, to make society a better place to live in. This also happens to be the Silver Jubilee year of MAHE Dubai, and with Dubai being a global destination and our campus here so vibrant, with communities from across the world studying here, it felt fitting that this event be hosted here."

As part of its continued commitment to public health education, MAHE Dubai has announced plans to launch a new four-year Bachelor of Public Health program starting academic year 2026–2027. The program aims to address the growing need for trained public health professionals in the region and equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the social, environmental, and systemic factors that shape health outcomes.

The symposium featured two keynote addresses followed by a panel discussion titled "Beyond the Degree: Redefining Academia as a Catalyst for Social Good." The discussion explored how academic institutions can move beyond traditional research to create tangible social impact, the importance of translating knowledge into policy and community action, and the need for greater collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Cherian Varghese, Professor and Head of Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE India, and featured distinguished voices including Dr. Sabine Kleinert, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet; Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India; Prof. Adnan Hyder, Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA; Dr. Elizabeth Molloy, Professor and Deputy Dean Education, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Dr. Ali Jafarian, Professor, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran; and Dr. Carlo Kaabar, Chief Medical Officer, PureLab, UAE.

Speaking on the need for academia to redefine how it measures success, Dr. Sabine Kleinert, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet, said: "Publications should never be the sole measure of success. Academic institutions need to go further - measuring real-world impact is difficult, but essential. Scientists must learn to advocate for change; speaking to policymakers is very different from publishing a scientific paper, and that is something we need to teach."

Highlighting the importance of collaboration and public engagement, Dr. Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit, emphasized: "Academic responsibility requires a continuous exchange with society. Research agendas must be informed by societal needs and scientific outcomes must be communicated in ways that encourage dialogue and trust. Evidence alone is not sufficient—people need opportunities for interaction and exchange. Lasting impact can only be achieved through close collaboration across academia, industry, policy, and civil society, a core principle of both the World Health Summit and the WHS Academic Alliance in strengthening the role of academia in addressing global health challenges."

Emphasizing the responsibility universities bear towards the communities they serve, Prof. Adnan Hyder, Dean of the School of Public Health at Boston University, said: "Academic institutions must first have a philosophical understanding that they owe something to the society in which they exist. Society allows universities to flourish. But it cannot end with the production of knowledge. That knowledge must be integrated into the lives of people — through policies, regulations, or the way communities live. And we must also recognize that knowledge is not only produced in academic centers; it is produced in communities too, and that knowledge must be valued and used."

Speaking on the need for stronger dialogue between academia and policymakers, Dr. Ilona Kickbusch, Council Chair of the World Health Summit, said: "Academia and policymaking need a much better dialogue. There is not enough understanding from both sides. We need venues for exchange where both sides can learn how the other works. And beyond this, universities must prepare their graduates for the world, not just with high-quality education, but with an understanding of what their discipline means in terms of social responsibility. Social impact implies social dialogue; it is not for academia to decide what is good for society, but to have that conversation together."