22-05-2025
JSSAHER gets into space medicine research
In a significant advancement of its research frontier, the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, on Thursday announced the successful completion of an international research training in space medicine by K. Gowthamarajan, professor and head, Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty.
Dr. Gowthamarajan underwent advanced hands-on training at the world-renowned Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP-RAS), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow—an institution at the forefront of global space physiology research.
The visit was facilitated through the DHR-ICMR Overseas Fellowship Scheme, generously supported by the Union government.
The training, under the guidance of Vassilieva Galina Yu, focused on key domains such as dry immersion, head-down tilt (HDT), vestibular adaptation, and Mars Mission simulations. The visit also included a tour of ROSCOSMOS, delivery of invited academic lectures, and strategic discussions aimed at formalising a future MoU between IBMP-RAS and JSSAHER, said a press release.
'This initiative is part of JSSAHER's larger research vision to explore the pharmaceutical behaviour of drugs in microgravity, thereby contributing meaningfully to India's Space Science Mission and Innovation Agenda,' the release added.
Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswami, Chancellor of JSSAHER, said, 'True education and research must rise beyond boundaries—towards new realms of knowledge that benefit all humanity. Space medicine is one such frontier where our ancient wisdom and modern science converge. I am pleased to support this endeavour which places JSSAHER at the helm of transformative science.'
Basavanagowdappa, Vice-Chancellor, JSSAHER, said, 'This marks a defining moment for JSSAHER's research ecosystem. Dr. Gowthamarajan's training at IBMP-RAS will pave the way for groundbreaking research in microgravity-based pharmaceutical sciences. We are excited to develop strategic global partnerships that place India on the world map in space health innovation.'
B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor, JSSAHER, said, 'This milestone reaffirms our commitment to pushing the frontiers of health sciences. Space medicine represents the next dimension of pharmaceutical research.'
JSSAHER's pioneering engagement with space physiology and pharmaceutics opens new avenues for collaborative research, interdisciplinary innovation, and knowledge transfer to both national and international space programs, he added.
