Nanotech centre in Chennai in collaboration with US varsity

Updated on: Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) is set to start a state-of-the-art centre for nanotechnology in collaboration with Virginia Tech University in the US and industry partners.

To be the first of its kind in the country, it will explore industrial consultancy-based research in human and veterinary medicine. The idea for the centre, expected to be set up at the TANUVAS campus in Madhavaram as University Industry Collaborative Research Centre, was proposed as part of an existing MoU between TANUVAS and Virginia Tech. It will function under the newly set up Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science.

"In developed countries there is much more industry participation. In India, research is mainly driven by state money, while companies have their own research and development units. This is the first such centre planned with industry funding in human and veterinary medicine and driven by industry needs," said TANUVAS vice-chancellor Dr R Prabakaran. He was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of an international seminar on frontiers of stem cell and biotechnology in human and veterinary medicine on Monday. The centre will undertake a common generic research useful to all industry partners, and exclusive research supported by particular industry partners who will hold the rights for the product or technique developed.

TANUVAS will provide space, laboratory facilities and academic expertise for the venture, and will focus on clinical trials on animals. TANUVAS researchers are also exploring possibilities in nanobiotechnology to overcome the risk of infection or rejection by the body of stem cells used in therapy.

Times of India

Nanotech centre in Chennai in collaboration with US varsity

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