Chennai, Nov. 2025
Apollo Knowledge, a pioneer in the training, skilling, and placement of healthcare professionals worldwide has launched recently a one-year full-time ‘Advanced Certification in Genomics’ (ACG) Program, in association with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai (Deemed University) (SRIHER), a leading institution in medical sciences, research and healthcare including high standard clinical and genomics education. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between Apollo Knowledge and SRIHER to deliver internationally benchmarked, healthcare-focused education and training programs in rapidly advancing fields such as Genomics and falls within Apollo’s Global Workforce Development (GWD) initiative, which aims to address global healthcare workforce shortages by preparing healthcare professionals for international careers. The ACG program focuses on nurturing the next generation of Clinical Scientists in the field of Genomics, creating pathways for global healthcare careers.
The one-year, full-time program is offered at SRIHER, Chennai currently with the cohort comprising of 37 students holding postgraduate degrees (M.Sc. or M. Tech.) in diverse Life Sciencesdomains.
The ACG program follows the curriculum used by the NHS in England and provides hands-on and clinical training in genomics. Participants learn about genetic testing, bioinformatics, cancer genomics, and genetic counselling, with instruction from both national and international experts.
To facilitate global mobility and enhance student readiness for international careers, the program includes:
• English language training
• Soft skills development
• Interview preparation for careers within the NHS and with other UK-based employers.
Formal inauguration of the program was held at SRIHER on 18th of November,2025 and Prof. Uma Sekar, Vice-Chancellor of SRIHER, Prof. Mahesh Vakamudi, Pro Vice-Chancellor of SRIHER, Prof. Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and the Head of Profession for healthcare science workforce in the NHS and associated bodies, Prof. Geeta Menon, National Dean for Inclusive Integrated Careers and National Clinical Lead for Workforce for Cancer and Diagnostics (WTE NHS), Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran, CEO of Apollo Knowledge, Mr. Anshum Sinha, Chief Executive of GWD, Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Registrar of SRIHER, Prof. Solomon F.D. Paul, Head of the Department of Clinical Research and Prof. P. Venkatachalam, Head of the Department of Human Genetics, SRIHER participated in the inaugural event.
A joint review of the ACG program and interaction with its first cohort were conducted subsequently.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dame Sue Hill remarked that: “Genomics is transforming how we predict, prevent, diagnose and treat disease, and this partnership demonstrates how countries can work together to build the skilled workforce needed to deliver these advances in healthcare. The NHS is proud to share its learning and standards to help develop global expertise in this vital field.”
Prof Geeta Menon mentioned that: “The Advanced Certification in Genomics is a wonderful example of how academic and clinical collaboration can create new pathways for healthcare professionals. By equipping students with both scientific knowledge and experiential skills, the program enables talent mobility and helps meet the growing demand for genomics expertise across health systems worldwide.”
Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran remarked, “This partnership embodies Apollo Knowledge’s commitment to empowering healthcare professionals in India and abroad through internationally benchmarked training programs in domains such as Genomics. Through our Global Workforce Development (GWD) initiative, we are preparing professionals for international healthcare careers by equipping them with technical skills, language and soft skills required to succeed on the global stage. The ACG program, being jointly offered with SRIHER, is a strong step forward in this mission and aligns with the Indian Government’s ‘Heal by India’ vision to strengthen the global healthcare workforce”
Prof. Uma Sekar spoke and said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Apollo Knowledge to deliver a program of such international relevance. SRIHER possesses a wealth of clinical and genomic expertise, with professionals who have over two decades of experience in the fields of prenatal, neonatal, adult, and cancer genomics. Supported by advanced genomic laboratories, clinical diagnostic units, and strong collaborations with national and international organizations, the institution is well-positioned to train students in cutting-edge technologies in the field of genomics.
Prof. Mahesh Vakamudi added that: “This program provides a clear pathway for Indian students to aim for careers such as Clinical Scientists in Genomics within healthcare systems such as the NHS in England, equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical skills aligned with NHS Clinical Scientist roles”.
Prof. Solomon Paul proposed a vote of thanks.
For Admission to the Program for the next batch, interested candidates may visit https://admissions.sriramachandra.edu.in/-certificate/acg/ or contact[email protected] for more information.
