Sree Mookambika Centre for Research and Innovation (SMCRI)
Overview
Sree Mookambika Centre for Research and Innovation (SMCRI) is a newly established multidisciplinary research hub at Sree Mookambika Institutions, created to foster a vibrant culture of scientific excellence and innovation among students and faculty from medicine, dentistry, nursing, and allied health sciences. Although located in a rural setting in the southernmost part of India, SMCRI is driven by a bold vision—to emerge as a leading research centre equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of conducting cutting-edge research of international standards. The Centre’s core research domains include reproductive health, environmental toxicology, cancer biology, regenerative medicine, digital biology, and artificial intelligence. These focus areas reflect SMCRI’s strategic commitment to addressing pressing health challenges and generating research outcomes with meaningful societal impact. SMCRI is guided by a distinguished Research Advisory Board comprising scientists of international repute from the USA, UK, The Netherlands, Estonia, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, Italy, and India, fostering a strong and expanding global research network.
Guruprasad Kalthur M.Sc., PhD
Professor Dean & Research Head
Professor & HOD
Ongoing Funded Research Projects
SMCRI is currently implementing several nationally funded research projects:
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India–funded project titled “Understanding the Consequences of Repeated Ovulation Induction on Hormone-Sensitive Organs” investigates the long-term health implications of fertility treatments on women’s reproductive and systemic health.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India–funded projects:
- “Evaluation of Non-Hydrolysable and Non-Canonical Cyclic Mononucleotides Against Sperm Phosphodiesterases for Enhancing Sperm Function and Reducing Gamete and Embryo Toxicity in Assisted Reproductive Technology” (in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad), which aims to identify safe and clinically translatable molecules to improve sperm motility during fertility treatments.
- “Identifying and Exploring the Key Deubiquitinase Enzyme Facilitating the Generation of Mature Insulin-Producing β-Cells from Human iPSCs” (in collaboration with Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bengaluru), which seeks to advance regenerative therapeutic strategies for diabetes.
These projects are supported by a dedicated team of scientists, research scholars, data analysts, and project fellows committed to high-impact translational research.
Specialized Research Centres Under SMCRI
SMCRI houses two specialized centres:
- Centre for Advanced Research and Diagnostic Solutions (CARDS) – Focused on translational biomedical research, point-of-care medical device development, and low-cost diagnostic innovation in collaboration with leading industry partners.
- International Centre for Digital Biology and Artificial Intelligence (ICDB-AI) – Established to pioneer computational and AI-driven life sciences research within a rural academic ecosystem. ICDB-AI is guided by honorary international experts from globally renowned institutions including the Institute of Cancer Research (UK) and the Mayo Clinic (USA), strengthening SMCRI’s global research engagement.
Collaborations and Global Engagement
- SMCRI has established Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading institutions nationally and internationally to promote collaborative research, faculty exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. The Centre actively engages with industry partners to translate research into innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.
- Further strengthening its international footprint, SMCRI will host the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program in November 2026, bringing global expertise and collaborative opportunities to its campus.
