Dr. Lorne Isa Farovitch is a deaf translational biomedical scientist, sign language advocate, and public health researcher renowned for founding the Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI)—an organization dedicated to advancing inclusive, deaf-centered research worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Lorne Farovitch was born into a deaf family in Vancouver, Canada, and is a native user of American Sign Language (ASL)[1]. As a child, he moved to Arizona to attend the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) [3]. He then pursued higher education at Gallaudet University, double-majoring in Biology and Chemistry[3]. After completing his undergraduate studies, he earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)[3]. He subsequently obtained his Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Science from the University of Rochester Medical Center, integrating bench science and public health in his research[1][3].
Academic and Research Career
During his doctoral studies at the University of Rochester, Farovitch integrated bench biochemistry with public health, developing diagnostic tests and applying qualitative research methods—such as interviews with Deaf communities—to improve healthcare systems and address their specific needs[3]. Notably, he focused on tick-borne disease diagnostics, a field that allowed him to apply his dual-background training in the lab and in public health outreach[3].
Through his academic journey, Farovitch experienced the frequent inadequacy of scientific terminology in ASL. In response, he became active in organizations like ASLClear and ASLCore, working collaboratively to create more accurate, visually meaningful signs for scientific concepts and recruit signs that conveyed their function and structure clearly[3]. His initiative exemplifies his commitment to accessible, linguistically-valid STEM education for deaf learners.
Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI)
In May 2023, Dr. Farovitch founded the Global Deaf Research Institute, a nonprofit organization addressing the persistent lack of data and inclusive research structures for Deaf populations in global public health[1][2]. As Founder and Executive Director, he leads transdisciplinary research, focusing on social and cultural determinants of health in Deaf communities and institutional responses during public health emergencies[2]. GDRI’s leadership team includes experts in public health, linguistics, data science, and more, all aligned with the mission to amplify deaf-centred research worldwide[2][4][5].
- Global Deaf Research Institute. (n.d.). Our Team. Retrieved from https://globaldeafresearch.wixsite.com
- Global Deaf Research Institute. (n.d.). About the Global Deaf Research Institute – GDRI.
- Jewish Deaf Community Center. (2019, December 5). DEAF@WORK: Lorne Farovitch.
- Sorenson Communications. (2025). Meet Dr. Lorne Farovitch, PhD! (LinkedIn post).
- Sorenson Communications. (n/d). Dr. Lorne Farovitch is using his PhD to open doors for Deaf leaders… (Facebook post).
