Bengaluru: Kristu Jayanti (deemed-to-be university) has been awarded a research grant under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) of the Ministry of Education, with sanctioned funding exceeding Rs 1 crore. The project is scheduled for implementation from June 2026 to May 2028.
Understanding SPARC
SPARC is a national initiative by the Indian government aimed at strengthening the country's research ecosystem by fostering collaborations between Indian institutions and leading universities abroad. This program focuses on promoting high-quality research in various fields, including health sciences.
Project Details
The funded project is titled “Development of Stimuli-Responsive Theranostic Nanocomposites of Marine- and Plant-Derived Neuroprotective Agents for Parkinson’s Disease: An Integrated Approach.” It is led by Dr. Shinomol George K, Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences, School of Biological and Forensic Sciences, as the Principal Investigator. Dr. Dileep Francis, Dean of the Centre for Research and Development and Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences, serves as the Co-Principal Investigator.
The research aims to develop innovative nanocomposites that combine marine and plant-derived neuroprotective agents. These stimuli-responsive theranostic nanocomposites are designed to diagnose and treat Parkinson's disease simultaneously, offering a new integrated approach to managing this neurodegenerative disorder.
International Collaboration
The project is being carried out in collaboration with Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. This partnership brings together expertise from both institutions, leveraging advanced technologies and knowledge to address the challenges of Parkinson's disease.
The grant underscores Kristu Jayanti University's growing prominence in research and its commitment to addressing critical health issues through interdisciplinary collaboration. The university has previously been involved in several research projects funded by national agencies, and this grant further enhances its research profile.
