Monash University Malaysia, Tata Chemicals Forge Research Partnership to Advance Gut Health
The initiative marks a milestone in Tata Chemicals’ commitment to applying research and innovation to address real-world health challenges.
Mumbai, October 7: Monash University Malaysia and Tata Chemicals Limited have entered into a strategic research partnership to advance scientific understanding of gastrointestinal health through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that establishes two collaborative research projects on the gut microbiome and overall gut health.
The partnership, formally launched in Malaysia, brings together academic excellence and industrial innovation aimed at developing science-led solutions for community well-being and sustainable health outcomes. The initiative marks a milestone in Tata Chemicals’ commitment to applying research and innovation to address real-world health challenges.
A key focus of the collaboration is a study on the role of postbiotics in alleviating leaky gut symptoms. The research will involve immunological, transcriptomic, and epigenetic profiling of colon epithelial cells to assess how postbiotic compounds influence inflammation at the cellular and genetic levels. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of future therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders and chronic diseases.
The second area of study focuses on improving gut health among the elderly, a demographic often affected by bloating, reflux, and indigestion. Researchers will evaluate the impact of Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation in promoting beneficial gut bacteria, with potential implications for better nutrition, enhanced well-being, and longevity in older adults.
Dr Richard Lobo, Head of Innovation, R&D, Business Excellence, and Chief Ethics Counsellor at Tata Chemicals, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader mission of “Serving Society through Science.”
“We continually innovate through science-led differentiation to contribute toward a sustainable, better world and create a positive impact on people and the planet. This association represents a progressive step toward sustainable and innovative solutions that address the needs of future generations,” he said.
Professor Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research & Development) at Monash University Malaysia, said the partnership underscores the university’s strength in research and its focus on societal impact.
“Collaborations that merge industrial innovation with academic expertise are essential for addressing targeted health benefits and socially relevant challenges. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing community health through research,” he noted.
The alliance aligns with Tata Chemicals’ long-standing ethos of combining scientific discovery with sustainability goals, reflecting a shared vision to “create a healthier world for future generations.”
About Tata Chemicals Ltd
Part of the US$165 billion Tata Group, Tata Chemicals is a leading supplier to the glass, detergent, industrial, and chemical sectors, with a strong presence in the crop protection business through its subsidiary Rallis India Limited. The company operates advanced R&D centres in Pune and Bengaluru.
