Environmental & Biomedical Research Collaboration established between University of Ladakh and Nitte University, Mangalore

University of Ladakh and NITTE (Deemed-to-be University) signed a MoU to strengthen academic and research ties between the two universities. The NITTE University has 36 institutions spread over three campuses at NITTE, Mangalore and Bangalore, and it offers education in diverse areas of learning including health professions education, engineering, management, humanities, general education, vocational training, and school/pre-university education. The University offers a total of 160+ programs, in the disciplines of medicine, allied health sciences, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, speech and audiology, biological sciences, media & communication, management, fashion technology, hospitality management and architecture. Prof SK Mehta, Vice Chancellor and Dr Subrat Sharma, Dean Research Studies UoL visited various campuses and facilities at NITTE and Mangalore. The visit included NU Center for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), the Zebra fish and Drosophila facilities for disease modelling, and the centres for genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and marine biotechnology. At the Institute of Architecture, they were shown a heliodrome that is a model that replicates the movement of the sun across the sky at different times of the day and in different months. Using this, students can study the effect of sunlight and shade on a model house. They also visited the metal and wood workshops. At NMAM Institute of Technology, they visited the laboratory for advanced carbon nano-materials, of the Chemistry department. The delegation also visited the centre for Tulu Studies that conducts research on Tulu heritage and regional culture. Tulu is a language spoken widely in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and parts of Kasargod district in Kerala. Prof M S Moodithaya., Vice Chancellor NITTE institutions highlighted the teaching and research strength of NITTE. Dr. V K Sashindran Director Postgraduate Studies, K S Hegde Medical Academy and deans of other disciplines had a detailed discussion with UoL delegates. Prof SK Mehta, Vice Chancellor highlighted the progress made by UoL in a short span of time. Emphasising the importance of signing MoUs, he mentioned that MoU with Gujarat University resulted in establishment of Gujarat Bhawan at Leh campus of the University and likewise Ladakh Bhawan has been established at Gujarat University. Prof. Subrat Sharma presented a detailed presentation about UoL. University of Ladakh has started collaboration with NITTE University by developing a joint multi-disciplinary research proposal on an issue peculiar to Ladakh. It has been submitted for funding. Other areas of collaborative research that are in the pipeline include water pollution issues, health of Ladakhi population in different geographies, and physical adaptation of ultra-athletes to high-altitude sports. It is believed that collaboration between the strong bio-medical research capability of NITTE University and academic strength of University of Ladakh will bring new dimensions in environmental and medical research that will benefit the society in this high-altitude region of Ladakh.