Dr. Goutam Chandra Secures ₹7 Crore ICMR Grant for Neural Regeneration Research

Dr. Goutam Chandra, Senior Scientist at Mahatma Gandhi University’s Inter-University Centre for Biomedical Research (IUCBR), Kottayam, has been awarded a prestigious grant of ₹7 crore under the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) ‘First in the World Challenge.’

His project, titled “Revolutionising Neural Regeneration: Developing a 4D Bioprinting Method for Neural Tissue and Regenerative Therapy,” aims to develop cutting-edge 4D bioprinting techniques to aid neural tissue regeneration. If the initial prototype development proves successful, the research will advance further, potentially transforming regenerative therapies in neuroscience.

The First in the World Challenge, inspired by India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, is an initiative by ICMR to encourage groundbreaking innovations in biomedical research. It seeks to motivate scientists to develop pioneering health technologies that have not been attempted globally.

Dr. Goutam Chandra, who hails from West Bengal, will lead the research alongside a team of co-investigators, including Dr. Prasanjith Saha from the Department of Neurosurgery at Kottayam Medical College, Dr. Sibi P. Ittiyavirah, Professor in the Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CPAS, Kerala, Dr. K. P. Mohanakumar, Director of IUCBR, Dr. Rajesh A. Shenoi, Dr. Usha Rajamma, and Sreetama Sen, all from IUCBR. Research scholars Jimna Muhammed Ameer and Anand Krishnan are also part of the project.

Dr. Goutam Chandra is among the 27 scientists selected at the national level for this prestigious grant, which Vice Chancellor Prof. C.T. Aravindakumar described as a proud achievement for Mahatma Gandhi University.