Prof. Nisar selected for the Interstellar Initiative 2019–20

Jr. Associate Professor Sajid Nisar’s research proposal has been selected for a collaborative international research program under the Interstellar Initiative 2019–20, jointly organized by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and the New York Academy of Sciences (USA). The program aims to “promote and support the intersection of ideas across international boundaries and disciplines, in particular among early career scientists.”

Under this initiative a few highly promising early career Investigators from around the world are selected and connected with professionals from related, but distinct, disciplines. The program provides a platform for them to work in a team to develop a solution to a major research question. The 2019–2020 Interstellar Initiative addresses challenges in the area of Healthy Longevity, with the goal of improving healthy lifespan and preventing premature aging. Prof. Nisar’s research interests, which include robotics and machine design, are closely associated with this year’s theme. He is determined to invent novel robotic tools for critical applications such as robot-assisted surgery, where a surgeon operates on patients using semi- or fully-automated surgical tools. Another area of interest is targeted drug delivery using nano robots that can deliver medication directly to a diseased area within the patient’s body for increased therapeutic advantage.

About his selection, Prof. Nisar said, “I am grateful to the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and the New York Academy of Sciences for their generous financial and organizational support.” The formal commencement of the program will take place in New York during September 2019. Prof. Nisar is planning to attend the event.

For more information about the The Interstellar Initiative 2019--20:  https://interstellarnyas.smapply.io/prog/the_interstellar_initiative/