Coimbatore : VIT University, Vellore in association with AVP Research Foundation here is establishing ‘Centre for Research In Indian System of Medicine (CRISM)’, a first of its kind in the country that would facilitate advanced research on Ayurveda and Siddha.

The centre would function under the School of Bio Sciences and Technology and would be involved in basic and translational research that can elucidate more about the holistic pharmacology of Ayurveda and Siddha medicines.

A collaboration agreement in this connection was signed by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chancellor, Dr G Vishwanathan and AVP Chairman P R Krishnakumar on Wednesday here.

The emphasis would be on basic research which employs modern biology, immunology, and chemistry to investigate the concepts, treatment procedures and products, an AVP release said.

The collaboration that enables access to the advanced research facilities at the University would make it one of the most equipped research centres in Indian System of Medicine that can bridge it with Molecular Biology and recent advances in biological sciences accessible to aspirants of researchers in Ayurveda and Siddha.

The collaboration would also pave means to develop human resource in Ayurveda and Siddha to produce world class researchers.

The centre would commence PhD and other research oriented programs which would bridge the intellectual capacities of both the ISM and Modern Biology sectors.

The thrust areas of collaboration would involve studies on Physiological, immunological and biochemical correlates of traditional Ayurvedic procedures and classical products.

The Foundation was established with a mission that enable ‘backing up tradition with evidence’ and this arrangement would be a big leap in this sector, it said. .