IIT Jodhpur Professor Mitali Mukerji Merges Ayurveda with AI for Precision Health
Molecular geneticist Mitali Mukerji, now a professor at IIT Jodhpur, is leading AI-driven research that blends Ayurvedic concepts with modern genomics to advance personalized health.
After completing a PhD in microbial molecular genetics at the Indian Institute of Science in 1997, Mitali Mukerji built a career in human genomics, rare disease research, and population genetics, eventually becoming Chief Scientist at CSIR-IGIB in New Delhi. In 2008 she helped publish a paper investigating molecular differences among extreme Ayurvedic Prakriti types, a work that gave rise to the controversial field of Ayurgenomics and attracted sharp criticism from some science commentators.
Undeterred, Mukerji continued exploring the intersection of traditional medicine and modern biology. Since joining IIT Jodhpur in 2021, she leads the AYURTECH Centre of Excellence in Integrative Precision Health, where she combines AI, genomics, and Ayurvedic knowledge to create predictive health tools. The initiative aims to translate ancient constitutional concepts into testable, data-driven hypotheses for personalized medicine. Her trajectory illustrates how interdisciplinary research can challenge scientific boundaries and potentially reshape health care approaches.
Why it matters
It shows how blending ancient medical ideas with AI and genomics could create new, evidence-based personalized health strategies.
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