AIIMS, ISRO ink pact to advance space medicine research
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research in space medicine, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's capabilities in human spaceflight and biomedical science.
The MoU was signed by M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO.
The collaboration establishes a cooperative framework for both ground-based and space-based research in space medicine. The key areas of focus include human physiology, cardiovascular and autonomic regulation, musculoskeletal health in microgravity, microbiome and immunology, genomics and biomarkers and behavioural health.
Speaking at the event, M Srinivas said the partnership would open new frontiers in space medicine research. “This MoU will give us the escape velocity to venture together into the field of space medicine. Collaborative research between AIIMS and ISRO will benefit patients, nation and ultimately humankind,” he said.
He said as India works toward the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, the country also hopes to emerge as a global leader in space medicine.
Addressing the gathering, Narayanan highlighted the journey of India’s space programme — from its early days when rockets and equipment were transported using bicycles and bullock carts, to its current status as a global leader in space technology.
He emphasised that partnerships with leading medical and research institutions such as AIIMS would play a key role in strengthening India’s human spaceflight capabilities.
The programme also featured an overview of AIIMS New Delhi’s ongoing contributions to space medicine research, presented by Prof KK Deepak, former Head of the Department of Physiology.
The event was attended by senior leadership from both institutions, including V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, along with deans, heads of departments, faculty members and students from AIIMS.
