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Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Gangotri Siddappa on the successful completion of the PhD!
Thesis Title: Role of Tumor-Initiating Cells (TICs) in the progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
PhD Guide : Dr. Moni A Kuriakose, Consultant (Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre), Dr.Amritha Suresh, PI (Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation)
Date of Viva Voce: 20th March 2026
University: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS)
The thesis evaluation and examination were conducted with the valuable presence of the External Examiner:
Dr. Devi A, Professor, Cancer Research and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai And RGUHS Observer
Dr. Shruthi H P, Professor, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Padmashree Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, Bangalore
This remarkable achievement reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and passion for research. Your hard work and commitment towards notably contributions to the field of oral carcinogenesis and chemoprevention have truly paid off. Wishing you continued success and excellence in future academic and research endeavours.
We are delighted to share highlights from hashtagTransCon25, the flagship conference conducted by MSMF, held on May 24–25 at the Harold Varmus Auditorium, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Narayana Health. This year’s theme, “Navigating Science and Technology Towards Clinical Translation,” brought together a vibrant community of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry leaders, all committed to accelerating the journey from laboratory discoveries to real-world healthcare solutions.
Key Highlights:
Visionary Opening: The conference opened with inspiring addresses from Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Executive Chairperson -Biocon & Biocon Biologics), Dr. Taruna Madan Gupta (Scientist G and Head, Development and Research, Indian Council of Medical Research), and Dr. Uma Nambiar (CEO, IISc Medical School Foundation), who emphasized the critical role of translational research in shaping the future of healthcare in India.
hashtagCutting– Edge hashtagSessions:
– Early Diagnosis: Experts discussed breakthroughs and challenges in early detection of cancers, with sessions on population genomics, oral and cervical cancer screening, and innovative diagnostic strategies.
– Tumor Heterogeneity & Spatial Biology: Talks explored the clinical significance of tumor diversity, advances in spatial omics, and the integration of AI in medical imaging.
– Neurological Frontiers: Sessions delved into epigenetic regulation, the gut-brain axis, AI-driven neuroscience, and novel neuroprotective therapies.
– Precision Medicine & Novel Therapeutics: Day 2 featured in-depth discussions on cell and gene therapy in India, advances in antibody-drug conjugates, and the expanding toolkit for CAR-T therapy. The importance of academic, industry, and clinical partnerships in driving translational medicine was a key focus.
– Interactive Engagements: The lively panel sparked dynamic discussions on the vital role of clinicians in research, while the second session delved into advancing precision medicine and novel therapeutics. Engaging with experts and thought leaders here is truly inspiring as we navigate the future of translational science together, and the poster sessions provided a dynamic space for young researchers and established scientists to present their work, receive feedback, and network with peers and mentors.
We are incredibly grateful to our distinguished speakers and everyone who participated in making this event a resounding success in Transcon25.
Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Bonney Lee James on the successful completion of the PhD!
Thesis Title: Molecular Mechanisms in Nodal Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
PhD Guide : Dr.Amritha Suresh, PI (Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation)
Date of Viva Voce: 19th December 2025
University: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) The thesis evaluation and examination were conducted with the valuable presence of the External Examiner:
Dr. Tessy Maliekal, Scientist E II,
Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram This achievement reflects years of dedicated research and meaningful contribution to cancer biology and translational research. Wishing Dr. Bonney Lee James continued success in future academic and research endeavors.
Investigator Initiated Grants on early detection, diagnostic research and AI based imaging studies (6Cr). Patents granted on molecular cytology-based detection system and nanoparticle-based delivery system
a portable OCT device, and a mobile-phone based system were evaluated for their efficacy in efficacy in delineation of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The portable OCT system integrated with ANN-based analysis delineated high-grade dysplasia with high sensitivity (83%), which in turn can be employed to triage patients for tertiary care referral (James et al., 2021). Additionally, a customized dual-modality mobile oral screening device in combination with an efficient Mobile Net in a lite format, achieved 81% accuracy for distinguishing normal/benign lesions from clinically suspicious lesions, using a gold standard of clinical impression based on the review of images by
We have developed a 3D cell system based on gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels and are studying them to understand its suitability as a 3D model system to mimic treatment-resistant mesenchymal (MES) type of GBM cells that reside in specific niches of the GBM microenvironment. Cells cultured in 3D-GMH showed higher infiltrative and invasive potential and increased chemo resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) compared to cells cultured on 2D platform. Further, the 3D-GMH system enriched treatment-resistant mesenchymal cells that resembled the cells found in the perivascular and perinecrotic zones of glioblastoma tumors (Shah et al., 2021)
Divya CA, Sujan K Dhar, Anithkumar, Manjula Shantaram and Manjula Das: June 2022: Medicinal Plant 14(2): 240-250: Comparison of Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Lipogenesis Activity of Holarrhena Antidysenterica Plant Part
