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Kerala-born scientist wins £2.2m UK grant for battery-less healing tech
The Bradford academic’s research aims to replace batteries in implants with energy from body movement.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 18, Oct 2025
- 02:23 EDT
- 37
Dr. Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala. / Bradford
Dr. Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, an Indian-origin biomedical engineer from Kerala, has been awarded a £2.2 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship to develop a new biomaterial that could change the way the human body heals.
The University of Bradford researcher will lead a four-year programme to create bone implants that generate electricity from body movement, a technology that could one day power pacemakers or stimulate bone growth without batteries or wires.
Currently an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the university’s Institute of Health and Social Care, Dr. Sasikala’s project explores Piezoelectroceutics — a field that combines piezoelectric materials with therapeutic applications. The goal, she told Bradford, is to “reimagine how we treat the body, using smart materials that work with it, not against it.”
She explained that her work “could help patients heal faster, move more freely and avoid the side effects of traditional treatments.” According to her, the innovation is not only about improving care but also about sustainability — replacing disposable, battery-powered implants with self-sustaining alternatives that reduce NHS costs and carbon emissions.
The UKRI fellowship, one of the most competitive research grants in the country, is expected to position Bradford as a global centre for Piezoelectroceutics. Dr. Sasikala will also launch a new Piezoelectricity Research Cluster at the university.
Professor Anant Paradkar, Director of the Institute of Health and Social Care, told Bradford that “piezoelectric biomaterials represent a paradigm shift — they can stimulate healing, power implants, and interact with the body in ways we’ve only imagined until now.” He added that the fellowship “puts Bradford at the forefront of a new era in regenerative medicine and smart therapeutics.”
Dr. Sasikala’s team will include PhD students, research fellows, and clinical partners, with collaborations involving the University of Leeds, University of Cambridge, UC San Diego, and Summit Medical Ltd.
Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said the recognition “is a landmark achievement for the University and a testament to the calibre of our researchers.” He described the award as “reflecting Bradford’s commitment to innovation that improves lives, supports the NHS, and creates opportunities for women in science.”
Roots in Kerala
Dr. Sasikala, who grew up in a small village in Kerala, shared her personal reaction on LinkedIn: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to share that I have been awarded the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, which is one of the most prestigious research fellowships in the UK,” she wrote. “Coming from a middle-class family in a small village in Kerala, India, this moment feels truly surreal.”
She reflected on the journey behind the award, crediting her family’s sacrifices and support. “Behind this achievement is not just hard work and resilience; it’s love, support, and sacrifice,” she said, dedicating the recognition to her husband, daughter, parents, and mentors.
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