Guwahati: Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) director Ashis Kumar Mukherjee has been awarded the J C Bose Fellowship for research on pesticide- and herbicide-induced neurodegenerative diseases.Awarded in July 2026, the 60-month fellowship supports his project, “Development of Snake Venom-Inspired Neurotrophin Peptidomimetic Formulations as a Drug Prototype Against Pesticide/Herbicide-Induced Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanistic Understanding and Translational Evaluations.” It carries support of Rs 26 lakh a year.The fellowship, instituted by Anusandhan Research Foundation, DST, Govt of India, recognises outstanding scientists for research contributions and supports innovative, high-impact work.Mukherjee’s project examines the neurological effects of prolonged pesticide and herbicide exposure, which has been linked to impaired neuronal function and may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.“The proposed research seeks to develop snake venom-inspired neurotrophin peptidomimetics that mimic the beneficial biological functions of naturally occurring neurotrophic factors. The study will investigate their molecular and cellular mechanisms, assess their neuroprotective potential, and evaluate their suitability as potential drug prototypes,” stated a media release.The project aims to connect disease-mechanism research with potential therapies. “The research is expected to generate insights into how pesticide and herbicide exposure affects neuronal pathways and how novel peptide-based interventions may help counter such damage,” it added.
