Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), an initiative of Manipal University, was launched recently. The objective of the programme is to create more manpower in the stem cell research field and also provide futuristic research in the areas of stem cell and tissue engineering.
MIRM offers masters’ degree programme in regenerative medicine. The course focuses on strategies to repair, replace and regenerate various tissues and organs to solve major clinical problems. This programme basically helps students from biological or medical related backgrounds with specialist knowledge and research skills to pursue a career in regenerative medicine. About 30 students have already enrolled for this course.
MIRM Director Dr Satish Totey said that the centre has excellent laboratory facilities, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment. Each student has space to perform his or her own experiments. The institute is also associated with a hospital, which is an added advantage for performing procedures like aphaeresis, bone marrow transplantation, he added.
Dr Vijay Sharma, Dean, MIRM said: “Regenerative medicine is a rapidly emerging area of biomedical research with enormous therapeutic potential. As the academic research base broadens and the industry begins to adapt to new technologies, the demand for skills in this area is rapidly increasing, resulting in excellent opportunities for graduates with training in this area.’’