In a significant move, Apollo Hospitals has announced the establishment of the Apollo Research Academy, an effort aimed at positioning the organisation as a global leader in healthcare research and innovation. The Academy, led by Professor Ravi P. Mahajan, CBE, will bring together the efforts of various Apollo entities, including the Apollo Health Education and Research Foundation (AHERF), Apollo University, ARI, Apollo Research Centre, and Apollo Clinical Innovation Group, to form a cohesive hub of research excellence.

In a statement, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, emphasised the Academy's strategic relevance, adding, "The Apollo Research Academy embodies the spirit of 'One Apollo,' leveraging the collective strengths of the group's diverse research and educational organisations." This strategic alignment aims to increase Apollo's research potential, stimulate collaboration, and establish collaborations with leading national and international financing and research organisations. By leveraging the expertise of these groups, the Academy aspires to transcend its current status as a research active entity and establish itself as a global leader in healthcare research and innovation, thereby making a significant impact on healthcare and policy.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, emphasised the Academy's goals: "Our goal is to build a world-class academy that will drive innovation, facilitate groundbreaking research, and position Apollo as a preferred partner for industry and academic collaborations worldwide. Apollo Hospitals already has the foundation in place to expand its teaching and research efforts. The ARA will serve as a natural extension arm, propelling Apollo beyond its existing successes and focussing on the future of medicine."

The Apollo Research Academy's strategic focus will be on five interrelated areas: capacity and culture, sponsored research, investigator-driven/grant-funded research, data sciences, and innovation. Apollo will develop these areas within a unified framework to enhance its research and innovation capabilities. The Academy's approach to Capacity and Culture entails providing a full schedule of educational courses, skill-building activities, and resource sharing to support collaborative initiatives within and outside the Apollo ecosystem. In sponsored research, the Academy intends to increase its portfolio by forming consortiums and strengthening ties with contract research organisations (CROs). This will supplement investigator-driven research efforts, which will focus on building consortiums in nationally prioritized areas and cultivating strategic international alliances to improve research programs and achieve better healthcare results. In the field of data sciences, the Academy intends to develop an internationally recognised Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine, which will focus on providing cutting-edge research outputs, obtaining grant financing, and promoting innovation. Finally, in Innovation, the Academy will establish well-coordinated innovation hubs, incubators, and accelerators, harnessing talent and forging strong national and international relationships to turn new ideas into real healthcare solutions.

The Apollo Research Academy will have a strong three-tier governing system. Dr. Preetha Reddy and other key executives lead the Executive Steering Group, which will guide the Academy's vision and objectives. A program board, made up of the heads of member organisations, will oversee day-to-day activities, while separate project boards will govern specific initiatives and consortiums.