The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and Kyoto University (KU) have inaugurated a joint research lab aimed at advancing studies on healthy aging. The new lab — named the Initiative for Intelligent ChemBioInformatics (IN-CBI) — will focus on research in the realm of age-related health challenges, beginning with a focus on eye vision, in collaboration with Narayan Netrayalaya.

This KU-IITR joint initiative aims at performing transformational research and innovation combining areas of biology, chemistry, AI/ML, water, and dietary-habits.

IITR-KU joint lab seeks to harness the power of advanced data science and artificial intelligence in tackling complex health, biological, and environmental challenges with respect to healthy aging.

Prof Kamal Kishore Pant, director of IIT Roorkee, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Today’s inauguration of the KU-IITR joint lab marks a milestone in IIT Roorkee’s journey to expand its global footprint and impact. Partnering with Kyoto University, a renowned institution with a legacy of innovation, strengthens our dedication to pioneering advancements that bridge chemistry, biology, and informatics. Together, we aim to push scientific boundaries and offer transformative solutions that address global challenges.”

Dr Nagahiro Minato, president of Kyoto University, underscored the importance of the partnership: “This collaboration with IIT Roorkee aligns with Kyoto University’s commitment to global academic and research excellence. By combining our strengths in the fields of chemistry and bioinformatics, IN-CBI will create a foundation for groundbreaking discoveries and lasting societal impact.”

“This collaboration with the highly renowned Kyoto University, which has produced 11 Nobel laureates and two field medals, symbolises the power of international alliances in addressing some of the most complex challenges in chemical biology and bioinformatics. Together, Kyoto University and IIT Roorkee are poised to create transformative advancements, fostering innovations that will benefit both societies and scientific communities worldwide,” the statement further added.