Dr. Raji Rajesh Lenin Completes Prestigious INSA Visiting Scientist Tenure at BRIC–NCCS, Pune

Dr. Raji Rajesh Lenin, Assistant Professor, Division of Medical Research, successfully completed her tenure as an INSA Visiting Scientist (FY 2024–25) at BRIC–National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, from November 03 to December 03, 2025.

During the visit, she worked under the mentorship of Dr. Jomon Joseph, Scientist-G and INSA Elected Fellow (2025), focusing on advanced research in ER–mitochondria crosstalk and mitochondria-associated membranes, with strong translational relevance to theranostic strategies in diabetic retinopathy.

Her fellowship involved intensive hands-on training in state-of-the-art organelle isolation techniques, functional proximity ligation assays (PLA), and Seahorse metabolic assays. She also actively engaged with students and researchers at NCCS through scientific discussions and knowledge exchange, strengthening collaborative networks.

Beyond the laboratory, her time in Pune, set against the Sahyadri ranges, offered a meaningful balance of rigorous research and natural surroundings, making the experience both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.

Dr. Raji returns with enhanced technical expertise, valuable national collaborations, and deeper insights into organelle dysfunction that will significantly shape her future research directions.

This achievement reflects both individual scientific excellence and the growing national emphasis on collaborative, translational research.