A Partnership to Drive Innovation for a Better Future

Progress in research thrives not in isolation, but through meaningful collaborations that unite diverse expertise to solve complex challenges and drive innovation with tangible, real-world impact. Guided by this belief, the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (SNIoE) has joined hands with the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening the door to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Founded in 2017 by the Tata Trusts, TIGS is a not-for-profit research institute that aims to harness the power of genetics and genomics for societal betterment. It focuses on three critical areas: Infectious Diseases, Rare Genetic Diseases, and Crop Improvement. By applying cutting-edge technologies, TIGS addresses some of India’s most pressing challenges, bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and practical applications. Its work not only strengthens scientific knowledge but also creates actionable pathways to address real-world problems, making it an ideal partner for SNIoE’s mission to foster transformative research.

Indeed, the MoU represents a forward-thinking collaboration aimed at amplifying these efforts. This partnership will see TIGS and SNIoE share expertise & resources and provide researchers access to facilities across the two institutions, creating a broader platform to drive innovation. Combining fundamental and applied research across SNIoE and TIGS will foster a synergy that will drive new discoveries and applications.

Suneet Tuli, Dean of Research at SNIoE, underscores the unique nature of this partnership, saying, "What excites me most is that this isn’t just a collaboration—it’s a partnership between two philanthropic pillars. On one side, we have the legacy of the Tatas, and on the other, the visionary leadership of Mr. Nadar. One is time-honored, and the other is relatively new, but both deeply value the social relevance of the work we are doing. That shared purpose is what makes this collaboration so special. Best of luck to everyone involved."

Through this MoU, SNIoE and TIGS will focus on critical research areas that address both immediate and long-term challenges, including the role of insects in the ecosystem, infectious diseases, vector biology and control, crop improvement, and insect pollination. By leveraging their combined expertise, the institutions will explore the intricate relationships between ecological systems and public health, develop innovative strategies for disease prevention, and enhance sustainable agricultural practices. This collaborative approach aims to bring fresh perspectives to longstanding issues, set new benchmarks for impactful research in India, and create scalable solutions that can be adapted to different contexts.

Reflecting on the research possibilities, Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Director of TIGS, remarked: “The establishment of a modern insectary at SNIoE is a remarkable step forward. Here, we can study insects in detail—their genetics, behaviour, and their essential role in the ecosystem. Insects, as pollinators, environmental health indicators, and disease vectors, are integral to agriculture and public health. Understanding them better will enable us to address challenges like vector-borne diseases and make the best use of what they offer. This facility will play a pivotal role in advancing both science and its applications, and I’m thrilled about the potential this partnership holds.”

Tanvi Deora, a Fellow of the Department of Life Sciences, SNIoE, echoes this sentiment, adding: "What started as a concentrated effort in understanding insect biology soon revealed its potential to influence a variety of domains—from crop studies to the social impact of farming on communities. The opportunities for collaboration between TIGS and SNIoE have grown far beyond the initial scope, and I’m hopeful it will continue to expand across disciplines."

While the MoU is initially set for three years, the vision behind this collaboration is long-term. With annual reviews to ensure progress and adaptability, both institutions are committed to refining their efforts to maximise impact.

As the partnership takes shape, one can only imagine the possibilities it holds. From groundbreaking research publications to tangible solutions for healthcare and agriculture, TIGS and SNIoE are poised to create ripples far beyond their immediate fields.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain committed to our shared goal of translating science into solutions that benefit society. Together, SNIoE and TIGS are not just imagining a better future—they are actively building it, one breakthrough at a time.