The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively conduct research focused on thermal comfort challenges faced by personnel in high-demand, critical environments. The MoU was signed on November 6, 2024, by Dr. Sanjay Behari, Director of SCTIMST, and Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Director of IIST.
The partnership, outlined under the projects “Development of Mathematical Human Thermal Behavior Model for a Reference Indian Subject” and “Evaluation of Thermal Comfort of Operating Theatre Personnel using Surgical Gown and Personal Protective Equipment,” aims to break new ground in understanding and enhancing the thermal regulation and comfort of individuals exposed to challenging conditions. The principal investigators for this research will be Dr. Shine SR, Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIST, and Dr. Jayanand B. Sudhir, Additional Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at SCTIMST.
The collaborative study at SCTIMST will focus on factors influencing the thermal comfort of surgeons in tropical hospital operating rooms, specifically examining the effects of standard surgical aprons and gowns. Utilizing data from a series of controlled experiments, SCTIMST researchers will assess the thermal impact of traditional surgical garments and explore ways to incorporate thermoregulatory features for improved comfort. This data will then contribute to validating a sophisticated thermoregulation model developed by IIST, designed to accurately predict temperature distribution across living tissue layers and measure human thermal responses to different environmental conditions.
The IIST project team is creating an analytical model tailored to the unique physiological characteristics of a reference Indian subject. This model, based on an in-depth review of thermoregulatory principles, is designed to assist ISRO in examining the effects of microgravity on thermoregulation, assessing the performance of various spacesuit designs tailored for Indian subjects, and evaluating spacesuits under the extreme conditions anticipated in upcoming missions.
This collaboration between IIST and SCTIMST marks a significant step forward in tailoring thermal comfort and protective measures to local needs and contexts. With implications for medical, industrial, and space applications, the project underscores the growing importance of individualized approaches in high-tech solutions for extreme environments. This initiative reflects a mutual commitment to research excellence and advancing scientific understanding that supports both healthcare professionals and future explorers.