IIT-M to collaborate with National Institute of Siddha

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is partnering with the National Institute of Siddha (NIS), a centre of excellence for research and higher education in the Siddha system of medicine in Chennai, on training, research, of clinical studies.

This partnership is expected to result in the development of new collaborative teaching programs and research in the areas of clinical research, molecular biology, in-vitro cell line studies, and health system research, besides in exchange of faculty members.

An MoU towards this effect was signed recently by Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Dr R. Meenakumari, Director, NIS, in the presence of Prof. Ravindra Gettu, IIT Madras. Highlighting the impact of this collaboration, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “This collaboration will focus on establishing a scientific basis that explains the efficacy of Siddha medicines.”

The institutes will also jointly organize seminars, workshops, webinars, conferences, continuing education programs (including Continuing Medical Education (CME)) and develop academic programs. They will also promote the exchange of students, PhD, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty for teaching/training programs.

Speaking about the outcomes envisaged from this partnership, Dr R Meenakumari, Director, National Institute of Siddha (NIS), said, “ We hope that the collaboration will open new avenues for knowledge sharing about the therapeutic potential of available Siddha medicine and the application of technology of IITM in scientific validation of Siddha formulations, identification of its bioactive molecule and mechanism of action.”

Further, Dr Meenakumari said, “The collaboration of the two institutes will also enhance the exposure of students in the important area of herbal research and technology. The institutions also hope to co-organize high-impact events in the field of technological intervention in the traditional system of medicine. We look forward to working together with IITM for mutual benefit and for the advancement of Siddha healthcare system.” News18