An established neuroscience researcher, Avi Chaudhuri authored the 2011 Oxford University Press textbook titled Fundamentals of Sensory Perception. The book provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive introduction to the sensory systems. In particular, Avi Chaudhuri examines how stimuli encountered in the physical world are translated into nervous system signals that inform brain perception.

Dr. Chaudhuri’s text differs from many in the field in that he does not begin by explaining the visual system. Instead, he strives to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the biological mechanisms underpinning sensory processing and the basic concepts of perceptual measurement. He then progresses to topics such as the somatosensory and olfactory systems. Students who can productively use this textbook extend beyond those taking neuroscience courses, and include students involved in a variety of health sciences disciplines, where understanding of the behavioral and biological foundations of perception are essential.

Dr. Chaudhuri is currently at work on the second edition of this textbook, due to appear in late 2014 and published by Oxford University Press.
 
Since 2009, Dr. Avi Chaudhuri has worked as an executive at Kezzler AS, based out of Oslo, Norway. In addition to his work there, Avi Chaudhuri is also involved humanitarian causes, including serving as a trustee for The Purnima Foundation. Focused on India, The Purnima Foundation promotes equality among men and women in India and seeks to provide opportunities for economically distressed people.

The trustees at the foundation dedicate their efforts to helping victims of abuse and social injustice by reducing poverty and providing resources for women in India who experience domestic abuse. The Foundation participates in a variety of endeavors to create social justice in India, including opportunities that provide greater chances for elderly people to contribute to society and reducing suffering with improved medical care.
 
A veteran neuroscientist and former McGill University professor, Avi Chaudhuri helps guide the Purnima Foundation as a trustee. This India-focused nonprofit organization promotes equality among people of diverse backgrounds and fights poverty and injustice. Avi Chaudhuri and his colleagues have a commitment to assisting those who find themselves in situations of injustice or abuse.

The Purnima Foundation Facebook page recently brought attention to the significant problem of domestic violence in India. A fundamental issue exacerbating the situation is that women are often pressured by those around them, including friends and family members, to accept such abuse as an unavoidable part of life. This often unrecognized form of social conditioning has serious consequences, with many women enduring abuse from family members. In cases where an abusive relationship exists that threatens personal well-being, the Purnima Foundation recommends that women reach for help through the Foundation and seek a greater understanding of their rights in law and society..
 
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Dr. Avijit (Avi) Chaudhuri currently serves as Senior Director at Kezzler AS (Norway). He was previously a faculty member at McGill University as James McGill Professor in the Depatment of Psychology. Dr. Chaudhuri is also a Trustee at The Purnima Foundation, which serves as a resource for people, organizations, and institutions in the Republic of India and worldwide. The goals and objectives of the Foundation are to:

• Reduce poverty and injustice
• Promote equality in educational opportunities across different economic strata
• Reduce human suffering through access to quality medical care
• Provide opportunities for empowering women in both rural and urban centres
• Enhance opportunities for social contribution by elderly people
• Advance human achievement

A common challenge facing many societies is to create a sustainable framework for equality in human welfare, removing unfair practices in gender and age treatment, and ensuring economically unbiased access to education and medical care. The driving principle behind our work is that through equalitycome justice, opportunity, social stability, and human advancement. The Purnima Foundation supports attempts at meeting this challenge by working closely with people and institutions where such problems are located. The Foundation actively promotes collaboration and participation by men and women from all levels of society.

The Purnima Foundation provides financial support that is tailored to each situation by way of grants, bursaries, or loans that help to advance our Mission, build knowledge, and strengthen local organizations and networks. Given the modest nature of our financial resources in comparison to societal needs, we focus our goals and strategies on a limited number of areas and provide funding to projects that are likely to have the highest impact.

The Purnima Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. The trustees of the foundation set policy and delegate authority to the President and senior staff, who explore opportunities to pursue the Foundation’s goals, formulate strategies, and recommend proposals for funding.