About us

Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) established in 1996 by Dr. V. Mohan, internationally acclaimed diabetologist and research scientist and his wife Late Dr. Rema Mohan, internationally known specialist in diabetic eye disorders. MDRF was founded with the vision of providing a world class environment for research in diabetes and its complications. Within its short span of existence, MDRF has built up strengths in basic, clinical and epidemiological research. The quality of its research in diabetes and its complications is evidenced by numerous original publications in reputed peer reviewed journals. The institute also collaborates with several international and national centres.

Research Departments

Our research is structured into specialized departments led by distinguished experts. These departments collaboratively drive innovation and contribute significantly to the advancement of diabetes and related health research.

Ocular Research

Visual disability from diabetes is a significant public health problem and the need of the hour is to assess the burden of different aspects of eye problems seen in diabetes. With this in view the Ocular Research Unit at the MDRF was established in 1996 to study the retinal diseases seen in diabetes.
Cell & Molecular Biology

The Department of Cell & Molecular Biology under the supervision of Dr. M. Balasubramanyam was started in 1999 with the objective studying and adding new information to the existing knowledge on the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications at the cell and molecular level.
Clinical Trials

The department under the guidance of Dr. Guha Pradeepa plays a very important role in the development of scientific research through liaison with other departments by assisting in proposal writing to obtain national and international grants to carryout collaborative research

Research Departments

Diabetology

The Diabetology Department is led by Dr. V. Mohan, MD, FRCP (London, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Ireland), Ph.D, DSc, D.Sc (Hon. Causa), FNASc — a renowned expert with over three decades of experience in diabetes research and care.

Ocular Research

Visual disability from diabetes is a significant public health problem and the need of the hour is to assess the burden of different aspects of eye problems seen in diabetes. With this in view the Ocular Research Unit at the MDRF was established in 1996 to study the retinal diseases seen in diabetes.

Cell & Molecular Biology

The Department of Cell & Molecular Biology under the supervision of Dr. M. Balasubramanyam was started in 1999 with the objective studying and adding new information to the existing knowledge on the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications at the cell and molecular level.

Clinical Trials

OUR TEAMS

Research Operations

The department under the guidance of Dr. Guha Pradeepa plays a very important role in the development of scientific research through liaison with other departments by assisting in proposal writing to obtain national and international grants to carryout collaborative research of International standards and formulation of reports of projects. This division also coordinates multicentre International projects.

Preventive and Digital Health Research

The department of Translational Research termed until August 2008 as the department of Community Medicine was established in August 2004. Translational Research better describes the primary function of the department namely; to translate current and previous research on diabetes and non-communicable diseases [NCDs] prevention and control into action at the community level.

Molecular Genetics

The Molecular Genetics team supervised by Dr. Radha Venkatesan is committed to unraveling the genetics of diabetes, its complications, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. The department founded on 17th Dec 1999 carries out research on Molecular and Functional genomics supported by funding agencies like the ICMR, DBT and DST