Research at CMC
Research at CMC Vellore
Research at CMC spans laboratory science, clinical trials, community cohorts and health policy, organised around priority areas and delivered through centres, units and core facilities.
CMC has contributed to generating and advancing knowledge to improve curative and preventive services since its founding by Dr Ida Sophia Scudder. Research here is grounded in the institution's clinical work and in the populations it serves.
The institution hosts centres recognised nationally for research excellence, including the Centre for Stem Cell Research, the Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, the Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre and the Clinical Epidemiology Unit, and was designated a Centre of Excellence for Translational Research by the Department of Biotechnology in 2014.
Priority areas
Precision NCD & Chronic-Care Implementation
Integrating biomarker-guided stratification, digital health tools, and implementation science to transform care for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and allied conditions across diverse Indian populations.
Precision Oncology, Cellular Therapy & Blood Disorders
Translational research spanning haematological malignancies, solid tumours, bone marrow transplantation, and next-generation cellular therapies — from molecular characterisation of disease to Phase I–III trials.
Infection Preparedness, TB, AMR & Pathogen Surveillance
Whole-genome sequencing, longitudinal cohorts, and health-system interventions to combat tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging pathogens — building India's capacity for outbreak detection and response.
Genomic Medicine, Inherited Rare Disease & Molecular Diagnostics
One of India's foremost genetics programmes — clinical and population genomics, newborn screening, rare and ultra-rare disease diagnosis, and development of affordable molecular diagnostic platforms for under-served settings.
Life-Course Maternal, Child, Adolescent, Nutrition & Environmental Health
From preconception through adolescence — multi-generational cohort studies, nutrition interventions, environmental exposure research, and implementation programmes shaping policy for women and children across India.
AI in Health, Health Economics & Implementation Research
Methodological engines that accelerate all five core areas — machine-learning diagnostics and clinical-decision support, cost-effectiveness analysis, and rigorous implementation science to close the evidence-to-practice gap.
Centres & units
All centres →Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit
Established under the Department of Health Research's scheme for the Development of Infrastructure for Promotion of Health Research, the MRU strengthens the research environment and builds health research capacity at CMC and beyond.
UnitClinical Trial Unit
GCP-accredited facility supporting Phase I–IV sponsor-initiated and investigator-initiated clinical trials. Services span protocol development, site coordination, data management, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory submissions to CDSCO.
CentreCentre for Public Health
Independent research and training centre addressing population health, epidemiology, and health systems in India. Leads landmark work on chronic disease burden, environmental exposures, and health policy across Tamil Nadu and South Asia.
OfficeInstitutional Review Board
Independent ethics oversight ensuring all human subjects research meets ICMR, GCP, and Helsinki Declaration standards. The IRB reviews new protocols, amendments, and continuing reviews on a rolling basis.
OfficeOffice of Research
Central hub for grant management, compliance, and research support — coordinating institutional oversight, facilitating regulatory submissions, and connecting investigators with national and international funding opportunities.