An interview with Robin Wallace
Tell us about the new centre in Bangalore that will study brain disabilities.
Scientists from University of Edinburgh along with their peers from Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, will work together on disabilities arising out of alterations in brain development at the new centre named, Centre for Brain Development and Repair, and will be housed at Bangalore. Autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities will be the initial domains of the centre. In the longer term, we will tackle major neurological disorders such as dementia. This collaboration is supported by Indian Department of Biotechnology.
Tell us about your association with IIT-Madras, Chennai.
The IITs here have demonstarted a strong penchant for research. With the scenario only expanding more, we are facilitating student and staff exchanges, from both ends, with IIT-M. We hope to address the challenges of each other in this collaboration and will also identify the best opportunities in academic and research arenas.
What is Edinburgh’s USP?
We pride ourselves for being a worldclass institution with particular focus in research and training. A truly international university, our master’s in sustainable development boasts of 92 per cent international students. The social engineering programme last year had students from 60 countries.
— shilpa.vasudevan@newindianexpress.com