The UK DRI and the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) today launch a landmark international partnership that will create a dynamic, interconnected research ecosystem to accelerate scientific understanding and innovation in brain health.
By integrating expertise and cutting-edge technologies including blood-based biomarkers, AI-driven data analysis, and digital cognitive monitoring tools, the partnership aims to develop innovative approaches to understanding and preventing cognitive decline.
Together, the UK DRI and CBR will harness the power of diverse population studies across India and the UK, combining unique research cohorts that span urban and rural communities. Working with Health Data Research UK, the partnership will leverage data, including extensive epidemiological datasets, to maximise research impact.
This collaboration represents more than a research programme – it’s a global effort to understand and mitigate the challenges of cognitive ageing. By coming together we can generate insights that would be impossible through isolated studies.
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Prof. K. V. S. Hari, Director, CBR, says:
"Through this unique endeavour, we aim to drive forward a research synergy that has the potential to address one of the most pressing health challenges of our time and provide solutions that benefit our aging society. It is an exciting intersection of advanced technology, shared expertise, and cross-cultural collaboration that could strengthen the broader conversation about brain ageing.”
Expanding on the collaborative framework, the partnership will establish a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to knowledge exchange and research synergy. This includes robust mechanisms for cross-institutional collaboration, such as structured research internships enabling talented researchers to gain international exposure, joint educational initiatives that capitalise on expertise from both institutions, and strategic resource-sharing. There will be focussed efforts on the characterisation of fluid biomarkers that will aid in early diagnosis and personalised treatment strategies for neurodegenerative conditions. In addition, the development of AI-powered data infrastructure will enable the integration of complex clinical and biological data, which will enhance research capabilities and facilitate informed decision-making.
The partnership is poised to accelerate global understanding of brain health, with the goal to improve the lives of millions of individuals worldwide.
Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc and Chair of the CBR Governing Board, says:
“The large-scale cohort studies led by CBR have been generating valuable data repositories that not only deepen our insights into healthy and pathological brain aging but can also inform health policymaking. Joining hands with UK DRI underscores our shared commitment to enhancing lives through scientific innovation and international cooperation.”
Dr Kris Gopalakrishnan, Founder Trustee of the Pratiksha Trust that supports CBR, says:
“Such forward-looking ‘team science’ initiatives, which leverage the power of technology and data, are truly the need of the hour. We hope the outcomes will go a long way in empowering scientists to create targeted and impactful interventions for cognitive health.”
Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department of Health and Social Care, UK Government, says:
“International collaboration in research is vital to pool countries’ expertise and accelerate progress. This exciting partnership shows that we are united in our aim to drive forward healthy brain ageing research.”
Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair, Medical Research Council UK, says:
“By combining diverse expertise and resources across leading centres of excellence, this international partnership, supported by HDR UK, will help us tackle complex challenges in brain science. MRC is committed to funding research to improve understanding of the causes of neurodegenerative diseases and developing new treatments. As the core funder of both UK DRI and HDR UK, this is a great example of our institutes working with new partners to leverage rich data sets and cutting-edge approaches through our collective investment."
