CUSAT Signs MoU with Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany

KOCHI:
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Technical University of Braunschweig (TU-BS), Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, Germany,  for academic collaboration.

TU-BS is a state university focusing on science and engineering and a wide range of subjects. It is subdivided into six faculties with different degree programs and specializations, resulting in an interdisciplinary research profile. A special focus is provided on life sciences, with established research departments in the field of neurobiology. Learning and memory processes are key issues of current neuroscience research, concentrating on understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms.

The research collaborators are Dr Baby Chakrapani PS (CUSAT) and Prof. Martin Korte (TU-BS). The Centre for Neuroscience of CUSAT and TU-BS are involved in research and academic collaboration in the area of Neuroscience. Since the labs handled by Dr Baby Chakrapani (CUSAT) and Prof Dr Martin Korte (TU-BS) are working on similar areas of research, both the labs wish to collaborate and work together to achieve the project goals.

A collaborative DST-DAAD proposal for a student exchange program has already been submitted in March 2020. Dr Baby Chakrapani’s lab works
with a specific focus on neurogenesis, adult gut dysbiosis, and neurodegeneration. Prof Dr Martin Korte is an expert in the area of neuroinflammation, specifically microglia-mediated inflammatory response and its effect on neurodegeneration. Hence this collaboration could lead to innovation and exchange of education and research. With this cooperation, lab facilities can be shared; work can be allocated based on expertise to each lab spearheading research at a much faster pace. The proposed partnership will enhance the technical capability to produce more innovative and translational research in various science and engineering fields.