Loading dispatches...
← Return to NewsroomPolitics
ISRO-SCTIMST sign pact for research in space medicine, Bioastronautics
Breaking
US launches more strikes on Iran as state media reports explosions
Dignitaries and participants during a research development programme at SDMIMD in Mysuru recently. | Delivering the inaugural address, Lt. Col. Prasad S.N., director, SDMIMD, underscored the importance of research that creates meaningful impact beyond academic publications. He urged researchers to critically examine whether their work contributes to the advancement of knowledge, influences the intended scholarly community, and addresses broader societal challenges.Highlighting that management research derives its true value from practical application, Dr. Prasad emphasised on the need to assess research through the lens of its real-world relevance and impact.Speaking on the importance of intellectual integrity, he stressed that the originality and authenticity of research ideas must always remain uncompromised. While acknowledging the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in research, he noted that AI should serve only as an enabling tool to enhance research capabilities, with researchers retaining complete ownership of conceptualisation, critical thinking, analysis, and scholarly contributions.Encouraging participants to pursue bold and innovative research, Dr. Prasad observed that radical ideas often emerge when researchers move beyond confirmatory thinking and challenge established assumptions. Describing research writing as the highest expression of human intellect, he remarked that every scholarly work should embody curiosity, originality, and meaningful exploration. Published - July 21, 2026 08:57 pm IST
The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, and the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have announced a collaboration to advance research and training in the emerging field of space medicine and Bioastronautics in India.SCTIMST and HSFC have signed an implementing agreement for initiating a Postdoctoral Fellowship (PDF) programme in Bioastronautics, which is the first programme of its kind in the country. The agreement was signed by Sanjay Behari, Director, SCTIMST, and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director, HSFC.V. Narayanan, chairman, ISRO, and Kris Gopalakrishnan, president, SCTIMST were present on the occasion. ISRO is progressing towards its ambitious human spaceflight programme through the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission. Human space travel and prolonged stay in space pose several challenges to astronauts due to factors such as microgravity, cosmic radiation, isolation, and other space environmental conditions.Understanding the impact of these conditions on human physiology and developing appropriate biomedical technologies are essential for ensuring astronaut safety during future human space missions.SCTIMST and HSFC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24 April 2025 for cooperation in the field of space medicine research related to various human space missions of ISRO. As part of this collaboration, a Centre for Space Medicine Research had been established at SCTIMST in November last year to facilitate joint academic and research activities between the two organisations.Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme in Bioastronautics is a two-year programme jointly conducted by SCTIMST and HSFC. The selected Fellows will undergo specialised training and carry out research activities at both institutions. The programme is designed to provide comprehensive understanding of the changes occurring in cellular and organ functions of humans during space travel and to enable Fellows to undertake research addressing critical scientific questions related to human space missions.Candidates with postgraduate medical degrees, super-speciality medical qualifications and PhD degrees in relevant areas are eligible to apply for the programme. Two fellowship positions will be advertised every year, beginning with the July 2026 academic session. The advertisement, detailed curriculum, and further information regarding the programme are available on the SCTIMST website Published - July 18, 2026 07:27 pm IST
Discussion (0)