A discussion on linking universities with other institutions for advanced biotechnology research and development was organised by the Union Department of Biotechnology at the Institute of Life Sciences her on Saturday.
The meeting was aimed at bringing various stakeholders together to work towards mutual interest for research and development, skill development, capacity building, entrepreneurship development, outreach activities and societal programmes.
Mentioning that there are many leading institutions in Odisha with tremendous capacity in the area of biotechnology research and development, ILS Director Dr Ajay Parida opined that there is an urgent need to work closely based on complementary strengths.
Biotechnology Department representatives Dr Meenakshi Munshi and Dr Suraksha Diwan complementing the ongoing activities advised the institutions to forge lasting partnerships for taking the advances of research for field application.
State Science and Technology Director Dr Puspashree Puhan said the State biotechnology policy gives due emphasis for promoting research and development activities.
Vice Chancellors of Utkal, Brahmapur, Khalikot, Ravenshaw, Central and SOA universities and representatives of Ramadevi, Sambalpur, North Odisha University, OUAT, KISS and Directors of ISSER, RMRC, KIIT, IIMT participated in the meeting.
The participants identified key research areas where multidisciplinary and inter-institutional programmes will be undertaken specifically in the area of bioresources management, validation of traditional knowledge and value addition, infectious disease biology, marine and coastal biotechnology and skill, capacity and entrepreneurship development. They felt that biotechnology applications are crucial for addressing challenges in the area of food, health and nutrition security.