NIMS neurosurgeon Thirumal Yerragunta named UCF India Center Scientist-in-Residence
HYDERABAD : Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) neurosurgeon Thirumal Yerragunta has been selected as Scientist-in-Residence at The India Center, University of Central Florida (UCF), in the US.
UCF identifies Yerragunta as an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at NIMS. The week-long academic programme runs from August 9 to 16, 2026.
UCF programme brings Indian neurosurgeon into academic exchange
Yerragunta is the first Indian to receive the honour under the Scientist-in-Residence programme, according to information shared by the organisers.
During the residency, he is interacting with UCF faculty, medical and pre-medical students, high-school students, physicians from the Indian diaspora and members of the Central Florida community.
UCF’s India Center describes the engagement as an academic exchange focused on interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. The centre also promotes academic partnerships and exchanges between UCF and institutions in India.
Yerragunta delivered a public lecture at the UCF College of Medicine on August 11. The UCF event listing described the session as an opportunity to discuss brain and spine surgery through real-life cases, technology and lessons from clinical practice in India.
His programme also includes discussions on medical education, modern neurosurgery, technology and artificial intelligence in healthcare. He is also exploring opportunities for academic collaboration between institutions in India and the US.
Neurosurgery expertise spans endoscopy, vascular and tumour care
Yerragunta has more than a decade of experience in neurosurgery. His areas of work include biportal endoscopic spine surgery, endoscopic skull-base surgery, vascular neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and neurotrauma.
He has also worked in STA-MCA bypass surgery for Moyamoya disease, awake neurosurgical procedures and minimally invasive techniques. His academic work includes research and presentations in endoscopic spine surgery, skull-base surgery, cerebrovascular neurosurgery and minimally invasive procedures.
Published research records identify Yerragunta as part of the Department of Neurosurgery at NIMS, Hyderabad.
Yerragunta to attend India Center’s Independence Day event
Yerragunta will participate as a special guest and speaker at The India Center’s Indian Independence Day celebrations in Orlando on August 15.
The organisers have also invited ISRO scientist Palanivel Veeramuthuvel, Project Director of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, as the next Scientist-in-Residence. IIT Madras records identify Veeramuthuvel as the Project Director of Chandrayaan-3.
Beyond neurosurgery and academics, Yerragunta is a scuba diver. He is a PADI Advanced Open Water and Nitrox-certified diver and has completed 41 logged dives, with a maximum depth of 31 metres.
His participation in the UCF programme adds to academic exchanges between Indian and US institutions in medicine, science and education.
