Governance Structure

SKAN Research Trustees

SKAN Research Trust is a public charitable trust established by the Soota and Karedan families to advance medical research in ageing and neurological disorders. Formally launched on April 5, 2021, SKAN represents Scientific Knowledge for Ageing and Neurological Ailments.

Conceived as a not‑for‑profit institution dedicated exclusively to medical research, SKAN is among the first privately funded initiatives in India focused solely on advancing biomedical science for public benefit. The Trust is committed to fostering rigorous, ethical, and translational research that addresses the growing burden of age-related and neurological diseases.

Guided by its mission—“Transforming the Future of Medicine. Impacting Millions of Lives.”— SKAN works to build a strong research ecosystem through scientific excellence, strategic collaborations, and long‑term institutional vision.

Governance Structure Diagram

Governance Structure

Scientific Advisory Committee

SKAN’s Scientific Advisory Committee comprises distinguished leaders from academia, clinical medicine, industry, and translational research. The Committee provides strategic guidance, scientific oversight, and mentorship to ensure that SKAN’s programs uphold the highest standards of excellence and impact.

  • Dr. Rakesh Mishra (Chairman) Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru
  • Dr. G. Gururaj Former Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Vilas Sinkar Former Vice President, R&D, Unilever, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Maneesha Inamdar Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Vineet Ahuja All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
  • Dr. M. N. Pendse Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Sanjeev Jain Former Professor, NIMHANS, Bengaluru

Institutional Ethics Committee

SKAN’s Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) ensures that all research activities are conducted in accordance with national regulatory guidelines and the highest standards of ethics, participant safety, and scientific integrity. The Committee includes experts from academia, clinical medicine, law, and institutional leadership, providing comprehensive and independent oversight.

  • Dr. Anjali Anoop Karande (Chairperson) Former Professor, Indian Institute of Science
  • Dr. Tony D. S. Raj (Clinician) Dean, St. John’s Research Institute
  • Dr. Mary Dias (Clinician ) Professor, St. John’s Medical College Hospital
  • Ms. Parvathy (Legal Expert) Vice President – Legal, Happiest Health
  • Dr. Paul Karedan(Social Scientist) Director, Lisie Hospital
  • Dr. Vaijayanti P. Kale(Scientific Member) Head & Professor, Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research
  • Ms. Vijayalakshmi(Lay Person) Vice President – Corporate & Executive Assistant to Chairman, Happiest Health, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Deepak Kamath(Clinician) Associate Professor, St. John’s Medical College Hospital
  • Dr. Lavanya Garady (Member Secretary) Program Controller, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Arun N (Basic Medical Scientist) Scientist, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Ritika Sharma (Basic Medical Scientist) Scientist, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Ankita Chandrakant Dhenge (Basic Medical Scientist) Scientist, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Gannavarapu Venkata Ram (Internal Member) Scientist, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Ahalya P. Gopi (Member) Research Assistant, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Azad Devyani (Member) Research Assistant, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru

The Committee is responsible for reviewing research protocols, monitoring compliance, safeguarding participant rights, and ensuring adherence to ethical and regulatory frameworks applicable to biomedical research in India.

Institutional Biosafety Committee

SKAN’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) ensures that all research involving biological materials, recombinant DNA, and related technologies is conducted in compliance with national biosafety regulations and established scientific standards. The Committee provides oversight, risk assessment, and guidance to maintain a safe and responsible research environment.

  • Dr. Yogesh Shouche (Chairman) Director, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Dipshikha Chakraborty (DBT Nominee) Professor, Indian Institute of Science
  • Dr. Anil Vasudevan (Biosafety Officer) Professor, St. John’s Medical College Hospital
  • Dr. Debashish Das (External Expert) Chief Scientist – Basic Sciences, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital
  • Dr. Amanjot Singh (External Expert) Faculty Fellow, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine
  • Dr. Arun N (Internal Member) Scientist, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Ritika Sharma (Member Secretary) Scientist, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru

The Committee reviews research proposals involving biohazardous materials, ensures adherence to Department of Biotechnology (DBT) guidelines, and promotes a culture of biosafety and regulatory compliance across all SKAN laboratories.