Despite the pandemic that impacted the pace of development, scientists and students of the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) here have made significant progress in research, development and addressing societal issues during the year.
This was highlighted by ILS Director Dr Ajay Parida during the institute’s annual day celebration. He said the ILS has published 62 research papers, obtained two patents and commercialised one product.
Seven students were awarded PhD and a number of facilities and students received national and international awards. ILS scientists have contributed to basic understanding of disease biology, identified several molecules and drug targets for therapeutic use, identified genes for stress tolerance and discovered new bacterial species.
The ILS has carried out many socially-relevant programmes, particularly for the economic empowerment of the tribal farming communities of Nabarangapur through training and capacity development in agriculture, establishment of nutrition gardens and ensuring additional income generation through interventions of fisheries, goat rearing and poultry, etc.
RMRC Director Dr Sangamitra Pati and Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Savita Acharya participated in the event and complemented the ILS for its remarkable achievements. Dr Pati, while appreciating the ILS’ efforts in Covid-19 testing, said the collaborative work of ILS and RMRC in Covid research have resulted in understanding the disease progression, management and control. Prof Acharya stressed that partnerships among institutions in Odisha are vital in addressing the societal goals using advanced science and technology options.The guests presented awards to 23 ILS students and staffs.