Dr Minakshi Bhardwaj
I am a global health researcher and lecturer in public health. I have a multidisciplinary background with qualifications in biological sciences, public health and biomedical ethics. My work involves conducting qualitative and mixed methods research in global/international health with a specific focus on LMICs in Asia and Africa. Some examples of my research include:
- EU- Funded Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia
- EU- Maternal Health in India (EU-MATIND) focusing on demand side financing of maternal health programs in India.
- Wellcome Trust funded Laboratory Capacity Strengthening for Anti-Microbial Resistance in Ghana, Nigeria and Nepal.
- ESRC funded Nutritional Genomics project exploring developments and interlinkages between environment, nutrition and genomics; and governance and ethical issues.
- EU-Legal, Ethical and Management of Life Sciences (EU-LEMLIFE) program with ASEAN countries involving development of international post-graduate program in biomedical ethics.
- British Academy and ESRC funded project on Genomic Databases in India, Japan and China exploring ELSI issues in population based biobanks and genomic databases.
- Daiwa Foundation funded project on public engagement in population genomics in the UK and Japan.
- Sasakawa Foundation funded project on developing biomedical ethics curriculum in higher education in 10 countries in Asia.
I have also worked as a program officer and international health consultant on several projects with different institutions and international agencies. These include-
- UNITAID funded HIV Self-Testing in Africa (HIV-STAR)
- DFID funded project on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa (COUNTDOWN)
- Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation funded project on Gendered Effects on Household Surveys on Maternal and Child Health in India.
I also worked as technical support and advisor to DFID, providing helpdesk and consultancy support on their three thematic areas of Health, Nutrition and Education principally for their Low and Middle Income (LMICs) priority countries. My other work has involved working with UNFAO on new genetic technologies in food and agriculture, UNESCO on biomedical ethics education in Asia, UNESCO on environmental ethics and universalism. I also worked with COMEST on climate change and ethical challenges.
I am also involved in teaching and training programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. In my various capacities at different institutions in the UK and globally, I have taught on a range of subjects including research methods in international health, gender and equity in tropical medicine, international governance of biomedicine, and ethical issues in bio-medicine and healthcare to undergraduates and post-graduate students. I am also one of the facilitators for teaching on Advanced Residential Course on Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO coordinating centre for NTDs in Africa. At UWL, I am involved in teaching to BSc and MSc in Health Promotion and Public Health; and supervising PhD students.
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Qualifications
BSc Zoology (University of Madras, India)
MSc Zoology (University of Madras, India)
MSc in Public Health (University of Southampton, UK)
PhD in Biological Sciences (Mobukokagakushou scholar University of Tsukuba, Japan)
PRINCE 2 International certification in Programme Management
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Memberships
Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (FHEA)Fellow of Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH)Member of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Teaching
I am a global health researcher and lecturer in public health. I have multidisciplinary background with qualifications in biological sciences, public health and biomedical ethics. My work involves conducting qualitative and mixed methods research in global/international health with a specific focus on LMICs in Asia and Africa.
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Research and publications
Selected peer reviewed publications
Bhardwaj, M. (2021). The ambivalence and complexities in the portrayal of fertility and abortion in India: socio-religious perspectives. Ed Bagheri, A. Global Perspectives on Abortion. Notre Dame Publications.
Bhardwaj, M. (2012). The progress of genomics in developing world and rising social, economic and ethical concerns in Genomic Variation and Genetic disorders in developing countries edited by Dhavendra Kumar. Oxford University Press. DOI; https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780195374759.003.0010
Bhardwaj, M. (2011) The applications of omics technologies and the challenges of ethics in nutritional sciences in Genomics and Bioethics: An Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Technologies and Advancements edited by Hongladarom, S: 1334-1338. IGI Global. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-3604-0.ch068
Viswanathan, G,N., Jardine, J., Bhardwaj, M., Adams, P., Marshall, S., Zaman, A. (2010). Better clinical outcomes of participants in clinical research: Trial effect of an observational study in patients with non ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) . European Heart Journal, 131 (s1).
Bhardwaj, M. (2010). Bioethics in Asia: in transition. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (ELS). John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. Chichester. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470015902.a0005893
Bhardwaj, M. (2008). Eating to Order: Consumers, business and the media have a big appetite for nutrigenomics. But is it really as nourishing as is claimed? ESRC Genomics Network, 7: 33-34. http://orca.cf.ac.uk/id/eprint/27579.
Bhardwaj, M. (2008). Biobanks and the notion of justice in health. Carlos Romeo Casabona edited, Biotecnologia, desarrollo y justiciar: 267-278, ISBN: 978-84-9836-356-2
Bhardwaj, M. (2007). From farm to pharma: public health challenges of nutrigenomics. Personalised medicine, 4 (4): 423-430.
Bhardwaj, M. (2007) Biobanks, association studies and validity: ethical, legal and social challenges in Asia. Journal of International Biotechnology Law, 4: 133-145
Bhardwaj, M. (2006) Looking back, looking beyond: revisiting ethics of genome generation. Journal of Biosciences, 31(1): 101-110.
Bhardwaj, M. (2004) Global Institutionalization of governance of biotechnology and universality of ethical principles, EJAIB, 14 (6): 208-211.
Bhardwaj, M.(2004). Analyzing genetic databases through the prism of global ethics. Proceedings of the PAN American Bioethics Congress: 156-164
Bhardwaj, M.(2004). Rich databases and poor people: opportunities for developing countries. TRAMES, The Official Journal of Estonian Academy of Sciences, 8( 1-2): 90-105
Bhardwaj, M. (2004). Genetically Modified Foods/Ethics of Genetic Engineering. Macer, D edited Bioethics for Informed Citizens across Cultures, EEI: 98-103
Macer, D., Bhardwaj, M., Maekawa, F., Niimura, Y. (2003) Ethical Opportunities in Global Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: The role for FAO. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 16 (5): 479-504
Bhardwaj, M. (2003). Global bioethics and International Governance of Biotechnology. Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, 5(2): 23-36
Macer, D., Bhardwaj, M., Maekawa, F., Niimura, Y. (2003) Ethical opportunities in global agriculture, fisheries and forestry: the role for FAO. Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Ethics. 16: 479-504.
Bhardwaj, M., Maekawa, F., Niimura, Y., & Macer, D. (2003) Ethics in Food and Agriculture: Views from FAO. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 38 (5): 565-588.
Macer, D. & Bhardwaj, M. (2003) How well does Japan meets its challenges and responsibilities in Biotechnology and Development in Asia. Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, 5 (2): 23-36.
Bhardwaj, M., (2003) Developing countries participation in the global governance of biotechnology. Song SY, Koo YM and Macer DRj eds. Bioethics in Asia in the 21st Century. 197-205.
Bhardwaj, M., & Macer, D., (2003) Policy and Ethical Issues in applying medical biotechnology in developing countries. Medical Science Monitor 9 (2): 49- 54
Bhardwaj, M., & Macer, D. (2002) Indian Approaches to Stem Cell and Genomic Research. Medicine and Philosophy, 23 (10): 18-22
Bhardwaj, M. (2001) Biotechnology, Bioethics and the poor. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology (EJB). http://www.ejbiotechnology.cl/index.php/ejbiotechnology/article/view/v4n3-11/913
Macer, D., & Bhardwaj, M. (2000) Research in the service of humanity and the ethics of food. Keynote paper in Proceedings of the International Congress Food Production and the Quality of Life, Italy: 79-94.
Bhardwaj, M. (2000) Ethical issues of Human Genome Project. UNU Conference on Global Ethos. Conference proceedings http://archive.unu.edu/update/archive/issue5_2.htm
Bhardwaj, M. & Azariah, J. (1999) Cloning: Paradox, paradigm and ethics in Indian Society. Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics (EJAIB) 9 (5): 71-73.
Bhardwaj, M., & Macer, D. (1999) A comparison of bioethics in school textbooks in India and Japan. Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics (EJAIB) 9 (3): 55-60.
Consultancy and Technical Reports for International Organisations
Bhardwaj, M. (2017). Data collection of religious groups in humanitarian crises. K4D Helpdesk report. Liverpool, UK. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK. For DFID, UK gov. (peer reviewed).
Millington, K., Bhardwaj, M. (2017). Evaluation and effectiveness of the programmes for supporting migrants in Africa. K4D Helpdesk Report. Liverpool, UK. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. For DFID, UK Gov. (peer reviewed)
Millington, K., Bhardwaj, M., Cleland, J., Woodhill, J. (2017). Counting people and making people count: population dynamics and global development challenges. Learning Journey Report, K4D. For DFID, UK Gov. (peer reviewed)
Bhardwaj, M. (2017). Workshop Report: Going to Scale: HIV Self Testing in Africa. WHO-UNITAID-Self Testing in Africa symposium, Nairobi, Kenya. For UNITAID.
Millington, K., & Bhardwaj, M. (2017). Review and summary of evidence and experience different countries’ health procurement (vaccines, drugs, medical supplies and medical equipment) in health sector decentralisation. K4D Helpdesk Report 108 (Nepal). Liverpool, UK. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. For DFID, UK Gov. (peer reviewed)
Grant, C. & Bhardwaj, M. (2016). Evidence review on effective family planning communication behaviour change communication with regards to safe abortion services with particular focus on Africa. Helpdesk Report for DFID (Ethiopia). For DFID, UK Gov. (peer reviewed)
Dacombe, R., Bates, I., Bhardwaj, M., Wallis, S., Pulford, J. (2016). An analysis of the approaches to laboratory capacity strengthening for drug resistance infections in low and middle income countries. Wellcome Trust- Fleming Fund. https://www.flemingfund.org/publications/approaches-to-laboratory-capacity-strengthening/
Dacombe, R., Pulford, J., Wallis, S., Bhardwaj, M., Bates, I. (2016). Supporting surveillance capacity for AMR: regional networks and educational resources. Wellcome Trust-Fleming Fund. https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/centre/FF%20Regional%20Networks%20and%20Educational%20Resources_0.pdf
Bhardwaj, M. (2012). Investigating incorporation of bioethics across Asia-Pacific: institutionalisation and impact and capacity strengthening in education. UNESCO Asia-Pacific. Consultancy report.
Bhardwaj, M. (2012). Scoping genomics based nutrition and the future of diet for the individual and public health: opportunities and concerns. UNESCO Asia Pacific. Consultancy report.
Bhardwaj, M. (2009). Research Brief on Nutrigenomics: ethics of diet and genetics, food and life style. For ESRC Flagship research report.
Bhardwaj, M. (2009). Ethics of commercialisation of individualism and public health in genomics: some reflections on nutrigenomics. UNESCO. Background Consultation paper.
Bhardwaj, M. (2008). Ethics of energy technologies. COMEST-UNESCO, Background Consultation paper.
Chadwick, R., Bhardwaj, M., Wilson, S., Cutter, A.M (2004). Governance of Human Genetic Research Databases: issues of privacy and security. OECD Working Paper.
Books
S Promta and M Bhardwaj (edited). An Essay Concerning Buddhist Ethics. Chulalongkorn University Press, 2008.
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Conferences
Invited talks only
Nutrigenomics: views, parameters and ethical challenges . Nutrition and hydration through life stages conference at University of West London, London. 14.03.2019
Nanotechnology for one health: engagement and applications Centre for Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa. 08.08.2017.
Anti-Microbial Resistance: interdisciplinarity in research for resistance management at the UK-China Anti-Microbial Resistance workshop, organised by RCUK and NFSC in Shanghai, 23-26th Nov 2015. Represented Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Women in STEM: professional aspirations and personal costs at the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); a case for intervention, organised by British Council, Government of India and UK Science and Innovation network. Delhi, India 12th Feb 2015. Represented Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Rare diseases: ethical challenges and policy issues at the 12th Asian Bioethics Congress, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, 27th Sept-1st Oct 2011
Enigmatic RECs in the UK: complexities and concerns in getting approval for research at the ABC12 Satellite meeting: Ethics in Education and Research, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, 2nd Oct 2011.
Theorising ethics in the governance of energy technologies at UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Science and Technology (COMEST) in Malaysia 15-19 June 2009
Population genetics research and power of association studies: contentions of race, ethnicity and personalization of medicine Asia-Europe Workshop on Technology and Culture: Genetics and its Ethical and Social Implications in Asia and Europe March 17-18, 2007, Ibis Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Multidisciplinary Bioethics: tensions and approaches to Education Plenary lecture, Conference on Bioethics literacy, Korean National Commission for UNESCO and the Ewha Institute for Law and Bioethics, Seoul, Korea. 26-28 July 2006.
Mapping statistical validity of Genetic Databases and prospects of biobanking in Asia , International Convention of Asian Scholars 4 conference, Shanghai, China 20-24 August 2005.
Ethical complexities in the governance of HGRDs United Nations University- Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) Brown Bag seminars, Japan, 10 May 2005.
Population based Genetics Research: some contentious issues University of Tsukuba, Japan, 2nd May 2005.
Genetic Databases: issues of ethics and governance Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Japan, 27th April 2005
Biobanks and the notion of justice in health in the International Seminar on Biotechnology, Development and Justice, Universidad de Deusto, 22-23 November 2004, Bilbao, Spain.
Is DNA Do Not Assume in forensic genetics (databases)? Institutionalization of Ethics in Science (INES) Workshop, Rome 17-18 June 2004, Italy.
Global Governance of biotechnology: global ethics and perspectives from FAO EU-LEMLIFE Workshop, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 24-26 January 2004.
Ethical issues in genetic databases at the III International Bioethics Congress in Monterrey (Mexico), 25-27 September 2003.
Bioethics education in the school textbooks in India and Japan at the conference Scientific and bioethical responsibility: a call to scientists, held in Mexico City on September 22 – 24, 2003 headquarters of the National Bioethics Commission, Mexico.
Food and Ethics for the People European Federation of Biotechnology ASEM Workshop, Asia-Europe Meeting 4 on Agrofood Bioethics June 28-30 2002, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Research in the Service of Humanity and the Ethics of Food, keynote speaker at International Conference on Food Production and Quality of Life, Sassari, Italy, 4-7 September 2000.
Meetings organised (workshops, conferences, symposium, seminars)
Technical program lead: Going to Scale: HIV Self Testing in Africa, Self-testing in Africa (WHO-STAR) Symposium. Nairobi, 29-30th March 2017.
Coordinator and panelist. International Association of Bioethics Genetics and Bioethics ‘Network Session’ on Biobanks, World Congress of Bioethics Singapore 28-31st July 2010
Coordinator and panellist. International Association of Bioethics and Education ‘Network Session’ on bioethics education, World Congress of Bioethics Singapore 28-31st July 2010
Panel (with Dr Paul McCarthy. Cesagen Lancaster) on Protection of Biological information, ESRC Genomics Network Conference, Reinventing Life, 27-28th Oct 2008, London.
Champion (Organiser) of the panel on Nutrigenomics in the first ESRC Genomics Network (EGN) conference, ‘ Genomics and Society: Today’s Answers Tomorrow’s Questions’ London 25-26 October 2007.
Organiser. Multidisciplinary workshop on Statistical Power of Biobanks Bodysgallen, UK, 13-14 January 2006.
Organiser. International Panel on Biobanks and Genetic Databases, II CESAGen Conference, Royal Society, London, 12-14 April 2005.
Organiser. Symposium on Ethics of Biobanking and Applied Issues, in World Bioethics Congress, 9-12 November 2004, Sydney, Australia.
Organiser. Workshop on Models of Property Rights in human genome research and other genetic technologies, July 2004, Cardiff, UK.
Secretary and focal person. First ESRC Genomics Network (EGN)-CESAGen International Conference on Genomics and Society, on 2-3 March 2004 at the Royal Society, London, UK
Assistant to secretariat. May 1999-April 2003., Tsukuba Roundtable Conferences, Tsukuba Science City, Japan, TRT4- TRT9.
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Research degree supervision
Ms. Carrie Grainger (Second supervisor): Exploring the role of midwives in supporting postnatal women in making contraceptive decisions: An ethnographic study.
Mr Iftekhar Mohammad Shafiqul Kalam (second supervisor): Assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of sexual and reproductive health of the university students in Bangladesh. A quantitative study.
Mr Basit Haydari (second supervisor): Quality of Life of elderly population in the western region of Saudi Arabia
