IIT Bombay alumnus to donate funds for setting up centre of ageing

The centre, which will be called “Sunita Sanghi Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative”, envisions developing novel tools and biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis and prognosis of ageing-related neurological disorders. 

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its alumnus Sharad Sanghi (BTech, Electrical Engineering, 1989) for the establishment of Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases at the institute. 

Sanghi, who is currently the managing director of NTT Ltd in India, has committed a donation of a generous amount towards the centre which will be called “Sunita Sanghi Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative” diseases (SCAN), in memory of his late mother Sunita Sanghi.  

IIT Bombay Director Subhasis Chaudhuri said, “As the Indian population ages and its growth slows down, the burden of neurodegenerative diseases will increase. Early detection and slowing the onset of such diseases will be key levers towards effective therapy and this centre will go a long way in helping us overcome this challenge. Sanghi’s donation will enable us to embark on this journey.” 

Samir K Maji, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay said, “Apart from understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, we are using molecular biology, biophysics and a wide variety of different techniques to understand how these diseases occur. We plan to collaborate with various hospitals and other medical Institutions with the aim to cater to the general public with application-based solutions. Sanghi’s contribution will truly further our vision and mission.” 

Vision, mission of Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases 

• The centre will focus on diagnostics and early detection of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases and movement support. It aims to decipher the mechanism of disease progression, understand the molecular, cellular and biochemical pathways using a wide range of disease-relevant in vitro, cell-based and computational studies.  
• The facility also envisions developing novel tools and biomarkers for the early detection, diagnosis and prognosis of ageing-related neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.  
• The outcome from this study can further be extrapolated for innovative diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. 
• The centre will also facilitate research programmes for students, including short-term research and development projects and internships and support-applied research and development activities pertaining to the ageing process and neurodegenerative diseases. 

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