Material transfer pact inked with Swedish varsity

Guru Nanak Dev University has achieved a significant milestone in scientific research by signing a Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, an institution globally recognised for its profound contributions to medical science, including its unique role in awarding the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.

This significant agreement paves the way for new collaborative research in the field of reproductive health and human fertility, which would be carried out in the lab of Dr Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay, Head, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. The MTA, driven by Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh, highlights the growing international recognition of GNDU’s scientific contributions and the potential for impactful global partnerships in addressing critical health challenges.

The agreement was formalised by Registrar Prof KS Chahal, who signed the MTA in a ceremony attended by Prof Vandana Bhalla, Director of Research; Prof Navdeep Singh Sodhi, Nodal Officer IPR Cell; Dr Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay; and Advisory Committee members of IPR cell Prof Varinder Kaur and Dr Rahul Thory.

Prof KS Chahal said this landmark collaboration has positioned GNDU as a rising hub for cutting-edge research, marking a new chapter in international partnerships.

“It also strengthens Punjab’s presence in global academia. By forging ties with a world-renowned institution like Karolinska Institutet, GNDU is paving the way for future collaborations, cementing its reputation as a leader in scientific innovation and academic excellence,” he said.

Dr Gahlay’s pioneering work at GNDU has focused extensively on areas such as male and female infertility, focusing on understanding the mechanism of the process so as to develop diagnostics and therapies to treat infertility.

The MTA is anticipated to provide access to advanced resources and expertise, fostering innovation and accelerating discoveries that could lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for infertility. Intellectual property rights from the research will be negotiated separately, safeguarding both institutions’ interests.