Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), the latest initiative of the Manipal University which had invested Rs eight crore. It has commenced post-graduate course in Regenerative Medicine. Globally there are only three universities offering the similar course, two in the US and one in the UK.

The two-year course has 30 students who will have opportunities to work in stem cell centres in the country and across the world. The institute will offer research in stem cells and tissue engineering. There is an advanced lab, which will offer students a clinical bench to bedside strategy.

The 30 students have been selected from biological sciences, medical and related backgrounds. The course is focused on strategies to repair, replace and regenerate various organs to solve major clinical problems. Regenerative medicine as a discipline has potential demand for specific multi disciplinary training. There is huge demand for professionals as there is no qualified manpower at the moment in the field.

Dr Vinod Bhat, registrar, Manipal University stated that the PG course from MIRM is the first-of-its-kind in the country and Asia Pacific. The Institute will also offer students the opportunity for PhD programmes after their successful two year stint.

Globally there are only three Universities offering the similar course, two in the US and one in the UK. Currently, there is an acute shortage of professionals in the stem cell arena which is at a nascent stage, said Dr Vijay Sharma, dean MIRM. "As the academic research base broadens and the industry begins to adapt to new technologies, the demand for skills in this area is rapidly increasing, resulting in excellent opportunities for graduates with training in this area," he added.

MIRM students can leverage on existing industrial support, through Stempeutics Research Private Limited (SRPL), a commercial entity of Manipal group which is a leading stem cell company in India for research and product development of human stem cell technology, stated BN Manohar, president, Stempeutics Research.

Bangalore was opted for the centre because of the aggressive stem cell activities in the southern states where Stempeutics in Bangalore along with LV Prasad Institute of Eye Research, Hyderabad and CMC Vellore are working on the commercial viability with stem cells. The Union government's Department of Biotechnology has provided Rs five crore for stem cell research. There is also a grant from the US to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore for advanced research efforts, stated Dr Satish Totey, director, MIRM.