Tufts vice provost for research named Foreign Fellow of Indian National Science Academy

Bernard Arulanandam’s research interests include the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune responses to infectious diseases

2026-01-12

(Press-News.org) Bernard Arulanandam, vice provost for research at Tufts University and professor of immunology at Tufts University School of Medicine, has been named a foreign fellow of the Indian National Science Academy. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to scientific research and his longstanding engagement with international scientific communities.

The Indian National Science Academy, established in 1935, is India’s premier scientific body dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry and leveraging knowledge for the benefit of humanity and national welfare.

Arulanandam’s work as a researcher and a university leader has focused on translating fundamental scientific findings into real-world applications and impact, specifically in areas of infectious diseases.

An immunologist with significant discoveries and patents related to vaccine development, Arulanandam has authored over 150 scientific publications, and his research has deepened understanding of host-microbial interactions and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in inducing immune responses against infectious diseases. He has extensively trained and mentored undergraduates and graduate students, who have gone on to successful professional programs and independent careers.

In his role at Tufts as vice provost, Arulanandam serves as the university’s chief research officer, with oversight of technology commercialization, core research facilities, compliance, sponsored projects, and postdoctoral affairs. His portfolio also includes the development of strategic research partnerships that serve to expand Tufts’ global portfolio and reputation for transdisciplinary research and scholarship. Arulanandam served previously as the chief research officer for the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Microbiology, and a recipient of the Fulbright International Education Administrator Award. In 2019, he was inducted to the National Academy of Inventors.

As a member of the Association of American Universities, Tufts has as a priority to expand global partnerships and to ensure scientific research and educational impact across the world, said Caroline Genco, provost and senior vice president.

“This well-deserved recognition from the Indian National Science Academy both honors Bernard’s accomplishments in his field and also highlights his leadership as Tufts’ chief research officer,” said Genco. “This distinction positions him to further expand research and educational exchange programs, strengthen collaborations, and engage with the academy and other international organizations. These efforts will connect public, academic, and policy audiences so that the positive impact of Tufts researchers may be seen worldwide.”

Tufts’ collaborations with the scientific community in India continue to grow, as illustrated by the 2025 launch of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Nutrition Science and Medicine, a joint initiative of the Indian Institute of Science and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. That partnership strengthens shared research priorities in nutrition and health and reflects Tufts’ commitment to building impactful, long-term global scientific collaborations.

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