The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, and University College London (UCL) have announced a pioneering partnership aimed at advancing innovation in medical technology. This trilateral collaboration, launched on November 22, 2024, will combine the expertise of these leading institutions to create transformative solutions in healthcare.
Partnership Focus: Tackling Global Health Challenges
The partnership is designed to address some of the world’s most significant health and societal challenges, including air pollution, climate change, and rising healthcare needs. Through this collaboration, the institutions will focus on advancing medical technology in areas such as detection, diagnostics, imaging, medical devices, assistive technologies, and digital health. The partnership will also look to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing, and advanced surgical interventions to improve patient care and health outcomes globally.
The collaboration will leverage the institutions’ combined strengths in medicine, engineering, and global policy to develop interdisciplinary solutions that address both the technological and socio-economic aspects of healthcare. AIIMS, IIT Delhi, and UCL will also work on joint research programs, workshops, conferences, and publications, fostering greater international collaboration in the medical technology field.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Professor M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, hailed the partnership as a transformative step in tackling the world’s pressing health challenges. He emphasized that combining expertise in medical science, engineering, and policy would provide a robust platform for MedTech innovation. “We aim to set new benchmarks in medical technology and interdisciplinary research while improving patient care delivery,” said Professor Srinivas.
Dr. Michael Spence, President and Provost of UCL, expressed excitement over the partnership, highlighting the power of international collaboration to address global challenges. “We are honoured to work with AIIMS and IIT Delhi to create impactful solutions that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
The collaboration was formalized with a signing ceremony and a visit to the mPRAGATI facility at IIT Delhi, a national centre focused on the development of medical devices and technologies. This partnership, while UCL has had bilateral collaborations with both AIIMS and IIT Delhi in the past, marks the first time the three institutions are working together.
The partnership will also include staff and student exchanges and joint programs to further bolster research and development in the field of medical technology.
The collaboration aims to contribute significantly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professors from AIIMS and IIT Delhi recently featured on UCL’s podcast “Unlocking the SDGs: A Blueprint for the Future,” where they discussed innovative projects aimed at tackling SDG challenges with community-based approaches.
This trilateral partnership underscores the growing role of international cooperation in solving complex global issues, particularly in the field of healthcare and technology.