IIT Madras launches diabetes research centre with alumnus funding

chennai: iit madras inaugurated the shankar center of excellence for diabetes research (scoedr), aimed at driving breakthroughs in diabetes care and developing innovative technologies. funded by distinguished alumnus subramonian shankar (b.tech 1971, electrical engineering), the centre will operate within the department of medical sciences and technology (dmst) at iit madras.the inauguration event was graced by iit madras director, prof. v. kamakoti, u.s. consul general in chennai chris hodges, subramonian shankar, and other dignitaries. prof. kamakoti highlighted the centre's role in leveraging technology to address diabetes, one of india's most prevalent diseases. u.s. consul general hodges praised the collaborative effort between iit madras and emory global diabetes research center (egdrc), emphasizing the potential for u.s.-india research partnerships.the centre aims to support 15 phd students, known as 'shankar fellows,' and will foster product development, potential start-ups, and commercialization efforts to transform diabetes management. mr. shankar expressed his vision for the centre, inspired by the synergy between academic research and industry applications.prof. boby george, head of dmst, called the centre a significant milestone in the fight against diabetes. dr. anubama rajan, head of scoedr, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research and real-world solutions, ensuring the centre's lasting impact on global diabetes care.