ISRO, SCTIMST sign MOU to boost Space Medicine Research

Bengaluru: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Department of Science & Technology (DST) signed the 'Framework Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Space Medicine'. This partnership marks significant milestone in the advancement of Space Medicine and its applications in the country. 

Indian Human Space program, Gaganyaan is a national endeavour of ISRO offering a unique opportunity to various national agencies, academia and industry in the fields of human health research, microgravity research, space medicine and space biology.

This framework MoU between ISRO and SCTIMST will lead to cooperation in the niche field of Space Medicine which will benefit the national human space programme as well as spur innovations and developments in the fields of Human Physiological Studies, Behavioural Health Studies, Biomedical Support Systems, Radiation Biology & Medicine, Countermeasures for improving Human Health & Performance in Space Environment, Telemedicine and communication Protocols and Crew Medical Kit for Space Missions. The program will create opportunities for studies and experiments, especially in the field of Space Medicine.

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Dr V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary DOS & Chairman, Space Commission, emphasised that the national human spaceflight endeavour, Gaganyaan aims to enhance nation’s capacity in the field of Human Research under space environment.

He highlighted that maintaining human health and performance in the extreme environment of Outer Space is very important for the successful long duration human space missions. A national space based platform such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will enable the utilisation of the niche space environment to undertake cutting edge human research and technology development based on our national priorities. This collaboration can inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields, driving innovation in the country.

Dr.Kris Gopalakrishnan expressed his desire that this innovative venture will lead to excellent cooperation between academia-industry sector in the field of medical device development.

Dr Sunil Kumar, Additional Secretary & Head, AI Division, DST said that Research & Developments in Space Medicine will enhance the understanding on human physiology, human adaption, development of new medical devices and diagnostic procedures. These developments for space have the potential to improve healthcare for people on Earth.

Dr Sanjay Behari, Director, SCTIMST thanked Chairman, ISRO and said that SCTIMST is looking forward for a fruitful collaboration with ISRO in developing clean room and microgravity labs in focus and space medicine, in co-developing biomedical devices and is translating equipment developed for space exploration for human health on earth.

The MOU was signed by Dr Sanjay Behari, Director of SCTIMST and Shri Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO in the presence of Dr V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, DOS, Shri. Krish Gopalakrishnan, President, SCTIMST, Shri.Sunil Kumar, Additional Secretary & Head AI Division, DST, Govt. of India, Prof. Manikandan, Deputy Director, SCTIMST and other senior faculty members of ISRO and SCTIMST. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, Dr Mohan, Director, LPSC, Dr Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director, HSFC, Dr Dipankar Banerjee, Director IIST, Trivandrum and Shri Hanamantary Baluragi, Director of Human Space Program, ISRO HQ, Bengaluru.

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