Scientific Frontier: How IIT Jodhpur’s Dr. Mitali Mukerji Bridges Ayurveda, Genomics, and Artificial Intelligence
12-Sep-26 08:20:38
When molecular geneticist Dr. Mitali Mukerji first began investigating whether the classical Ayurvedic concept of Prakriti (individual constitutional types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) possessed measurable biological correlates, the global scientific community reacted with skepticism.
Skeptics questioned whether traditional medical concepts could be subjected to rigorous molecular testing. Today, two decades after pioneering the field of Ayurgenomics, the IISc-trained molecular biologist leads cutting-edge research at IIT Jodhpur, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Multi-Omics to redefine integrative precision health and early disease prevention.
From IISc to CSIR-IGIB: The Genesis of Ayurgenomics
Dr. Mukerji, who earned her Ph.D. in microbial molecular genetics from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, built an impressive career in human genomics, rare genetic diseases, and population genetics.
During her tenure as Chief Scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi, she directed CSIR’s specialized Ayurgenomics initiative, TRISUTRA.
In 2008, Dr. Mukerji and her collaborators published a landmark study in the Journal of Translational Medicine, examining genome-wide expression profiles across extreme Prakriti phenotypes. The research demonstrated that individuals classified under distinct classical constitutional types exhibited specific, reproducible genetic variations, biochemical markers, and gene expression profiles.
AYURTECH Centre of Excellence at IIT Jodhpur
At IIT Jodhpur, where she serves as Professor in the Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering and affiliate faculty at the School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Dr. Mukerji leads the AYURTECH Centre of Excellence in Integrative Precision Health.
The center combines classical medical wisdom with modern engineering sciences to develop predictive, actionable health interventions:
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AI-Driven Risk Stratification: Utilizing machine learning algorithms to analyze clinical parameters, multi-omics data, and individual Prakriti types to identify disease susceptibility before clinical symptoms appear.
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Digital Diagnostics & Sensors: Combining non-invasive electronic sensors with natural product chemistry to standardize objective diagnostic parameters.
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Translational Validation: Converting classical Ayurvedic diagnostic frameworks into testable, hypothesis-driven scientific variables accepted by global biomedical researchers.
Elevating Traditional Medicine Through Evidence-Based Research
Dr. Mukerji emphasizes that an observed statistical correlation is not automatic proof of a traditional claim; rather, it provides a scientific framework for rigorous, repeatable testing.
This multi-disciplinary push aligns with ongoing transformations in Ayurveda education, where academic institutions increasingly integrate computational biology, data analytics, and molecular genetics into medical research.
Supported by strategic frameworks under the Ministry of Ayush, pioneering initiatives like AYURTECH demonstrate how traditional healthcare principles can be validated through modern computational tools to drive personalized healthcare worldwide.
Stay tuned to our Ayurveda News hub for ongoing coverage of scientific research, integrative medicine breakthroughs, and technological innovations.