IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Germany’s Institute for Lung Health (ILH), has inaugurated the ILH-IITH Bioengineering Centre of Excellence for Lung Health India’s first dedicated bioengineering facility focused on advancing lung and cardiopulmonary research. This interdisciplinary hub integrates engineering and clinical science to develop non-invasive diagnostics, advanced disease models, and personalized therapies amid rising pollution-linked respiratory challenges.
Glimpse:
The centre leverages IIT Hyderabad’s strengths in biomechanics, biomaterials, nanobiotechnology, microfluidics, and imaging, combined with ILH’s clinical expertise. It supports joint projects, researcher exchanges, and training to bridge gaps in lung function assessment and treatment particularly for chronic and environmental illnesses. No specific funding details were disclosed, but the initiative emphasizes sustained international collaboration for impactful discoveries.
IIT Hyderabad has marked a historic milestone by launching India’s first Bioengineering Centre of Excellence dedicated to lung health, in partnership with Germany’s Institute for Lung Health (ILH). Named the ILH-IITH Bioengineering Centre of Excellence for Lung Health, this facility addresses persistent challenges in accurately assessing and treating lung and vascular diseases exacerbated by pollution, chronic conditions, and global health burdens.
The centre integrates IIT Hyderabad’s Department of Biomedical Engineering expertise spanning biomechanics, biomaterials, nanobiotechnology, computational biology, microfluidics, and advanced imaging with ILH’s clinical and translational strengths. Key goals include:
Developing non-invasive diagnostic tools for earlier, precise detection.
Creating advanced disease models to simulate real-world lung conditions.
Advancing personalized therapeutic approaches for improved monitoring and outcomes in lung and cardiac functions.
This collaboration fosters ongoing international ties through joint research, faculty/student exchanges, and specialized training programs nurturing the next generation of bioengineers and lung health specialists.
Prof B S Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, highlighted the institute’s commitment to tackling complex public health issues via interdisciplinary and global partnerships.
Werner Seeger, Director of ILH and Chairman of the German Centre for Lung Research, emphasized: “The idea is to bring engineering and medicine together to improve how we understand and treat lung and vascular diseases.”
A researcher noted: “Accurate assessment of lung and heart function is still a major challenge, especially in chronic and pollution-linked illnesses.”
This centre positions India as an emerging leader in bioengineered solutions for respiratory health, promising breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and therapy for millions affected by environmental and lifestyle factors.
“The Centre will integrate engineering and clinical science to enable non-invasive diagnostics, advanced therapies, and the training of future researchers.”
By
HB Team
