International Research Institute of Ayurveda (IRIA)
Mission
To facilitate scientific reaffirmation of Ayurvedic principles, products, and practices through advanced multidisciplinary research to improve the reach, penetration, sustainability, and scalability of evidence-based Ayurveda in global health
Vision
Delineating Ayurveda; redefining health
The International Research Institute of Ayurveda (IRIA) is a pioneering autonomous research institution established by the Government of Kerala at Kannur. Envisioned as a global centre of excellence, IRIA is dedicated to bridging the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with the rigour of modern scientific research.
Strategic Mandate
Kerala possesses a unique ecosystem of medical pluralism and a rich tradition of Ayurveda that attracts health seekers from across the world. IRIA has been developed to create a dedicated ecosystem that explores the diverse research frontiers of this system.
The institute serves as a hub for:
- Transdisciplinary Research: Mainstreaming Ayurvedic products and practices into global public health.
- Preservation: Showcasing centuries-old rare manuscripts and the vast biodiversity of medicinal plants.
- Innovation: Supporting researchers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs with scientific support and bio-incubation.
Once fully functional, IRIA will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a full-fledged 100-bed research hospital, a diagnostic complex, an academic and research cell, translational research facilities, incubations hubs and specialized laboratories. The 300-acre campus also features a manuscript centre and a medicinal plant nursery to support its comprehensive research mandate.
Phased Development and Phase I Launch
The institute is being realized in two distinct phases to ensure a systematic rollout of its comprehensive research mandate. The upcoming inauguration marks the commencement of Phase I, which brings immediate operational capability to the campus. The total investment in the Phase I of IRIA accounts for about INR 200 crores. The initial research focus on IRIA is Ayurveda in Ageing and Cancer.
Phase I Facilities include:
- The 100-Bedded Research Hospital and Model Patient Care Centre: A state-of-the-art facility dedicated to research-based patient care, aiming to develop evidence-based protocols and gold-standard clinical practices.
- Manuscript Studies Centre: A specialized unit focused on identifying, collecting, and digitizing rare medical manuscripts to preserve and validate centuries-old traditional health knowledge.
- Medicinal Plant Nursery and Research Centre: A dedicated zone for the conservation, propagation, and study of medicinal flora, initiating the institute’s work on standardized herbal products.
To achieve its ambitious goals, IRIA is organized into six specialized departments, each targeting significant frontiers in Ayurveda research:
- Department of Ayurvedic Biology and Translational Ayurveda: Focuses on translating Ayurvedic principles and practices into community-viable proportions using tools from modern biology, including genetics, genomics, and cell biology.
- Department of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products: Dedicated to the standardization, development, and conservation of medicinal flora, including ethnomedicine and agroforestry.
- Department of Translational Drug Research in Ayurveda: Concentrates on drug standardization, validation, and the development of new formulations, ensuring quality and safety.
- Department of Clinical and Public Health Research: Mandated to conduct clinical epidemiology, policy studies, and population research to integrate Ayurveda into public health systems.
- Department of Health Heritage, Museums and Manuscripts: Aims to identify, collect, validate, and preserve traditional health information, rare manuscripts, and historical artefacts.
- Department of Information, Communication and Technology Services: Provides technological support, including data analytics and AI-based tools, to advance research and education capabilities.
Scientific Officer,
Manuscript Centre,
International Research Institute of Ayurveda,
Kalliad, Kannur 670593
iriagovernmentofkerala@gmail.com
+91-7907015694, 9447856340
