The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar celebrated its 31st foundation day on Tuesday. Chief guest Minster for Science and Technology Ashok Panda, while complementing the research work of the institution in the field of biotechnology and life sciences, said science and technology applications have tremendous potential for development of the humankind and the society at large.
Panda said several initiatives of ILS have significant relevance to Odisha in the matters of health and disease management, nutritional and agriculture improvement. The State Government is working closely with the ILS and has recently supported establishment of a biotechnology incubator to promote entrepreneurial ecosystem in the State in the field of biotechnology and life sciences.
ILS Director Dr Ajay Parida spoke on the institute’s achievements during the last year and mentioned that its scientists and students have published more than 50 research papers, obtained three patents, commercialised two products and received many awards and recognitions including 15 students obtaining their PhD.
Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Dr Soumendra Patnaik said the ILS’ initiative on tribal health and nutrition is an important area of research and hoped that the research would lead to significant outcomes. NISER Director Dr Sudhakar Panda complemented the ILS for its effort in taking science to the grassroots. He particularly mentioned about the massive students outreach programme of ILS and also the work the ILS is carrying out for the economic empowerment of tribal farmers specifically in Nabarangapur district.
AIIMS, Bhubaneswar Director Dr Gitanjali said the ILS and the AIIMS have recently signed an MoU for working in the area of health research as well as academic and students exchange programmes. Both the institutions are working towards specific research programmes in the area of cancer biology and infectious diseases. Ravenshaw University VC Prof Ishan Patra spoke about the state-of-the-art infrastructure at the ILS and hoped that the ILS would be a guiding force in improving the biotechnology ecosystem of the country.
Minister Panda released the institute’s annual report and newsletter and gave away prizes to the best employee of the year and the best researchers.