The National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) regretfully announces the untimely demise of its Director, Dr. Mohan R. Wani.

Dr. Wani was one of the earliest members to join the NCCS family soon after the inception of the institution (earlier called NFATCC). His vision and efforts have contributed immensely to the growth of the institute. His research on the pathophysiology of bone and cartilage remodeling in important skeletal diseases like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is widely acclaimed by the scientific community. Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine were his other areas of expertise. His research has yielded invaluable insights with implications in the management of bone health and bone disease.

As the Director of NCCS, Dr. Wani had a strong inclination for driving basic research towards societal impact. He strongly encouraged and facilitated collaborations between scientists and clinicians, as well as interactions with other academic institutions in Pune and across India.

Dr. Wani will be fondly remembered as a supportive and respected mentor by the NCCS faculty, staff, and research scholars, who benefitted immensely from his able guidance. The NCCS family deeply mourns his sudden and unexpected demise, and will sorely miss his calm, yet strong, inspiring leadership and smiling presence. To us, he has been not only a brilliant scientist, but also an encouraging leader, colleague and a valuable friend.

NCCS expresses its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Wani’s family, and hopes that they will find the strength to tide over these difficult times.