Koraput , Oct 7: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Central University of Odisha (CUO) and Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow to work on research collaboratively.

The MoU was exchanged between the Vice Chancellor of CUO Prof. (Dr.) Ajit Kumar Shasany and Dr. M.G. Thakkar, on behalf of BSIP, Lucknow.

The MoU was signed on the occasion of two-day workshop, which discussed on modern approaches to biodiversity documentation with emphasis on lichens at the CUO campus on Wednesday.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources (BCNR) and Department of Botany, in collaboration with CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI).

The workshop was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor in the presence of other eminent scientists of India Dr. Sanjeeva Nayaka, scientist G, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, Dr. M.G. Thakkar, director, BSIP, Lucknow, the registrar in-charge of the university Dr. Sanjaya kumar Pradhan, Dr. Debabrata Panda Dr. B. Chandrasekhar.

Shasany stressed the importance of scientific temperament, meaningful research for students and scholars and modern technologies.

“With the signing of MoU with BSIP, Lucknow, we will learn new things on evolution of plants and animals through Palaeoscience,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

M.G. Thakkar, in his speech, said that Koraput is one of the important regions of having ancient variety of soil formations and stones containing iron, chromium and others.

He further said that through collaboration BSIP, Lucknow, CUO, Koraput will explore ancient pollens in relation to modern pollens leading to the understanding on pollen developmental Biology.

As this region is suitable for the study of Palaeoscience, the collaborative work will be helpful to know the rich heritage of Koraput.

Sanjeeva Nayaka said that the lichens play very important role in environment, and their proper identification is important to study the role of algae and fungi.

Anjali Trivedi also spoke on the occasion.

Debabrata Panda spoke on the purpose of conducting such workshops.

Dr. Chandrasekhar proposed a vote of thanks. Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Prof. Narasingh Charan Panda, Dean of Schools, CUO, L.N.Boxi, science journalist, and other dignitaries, faculty members, research scholars and students of the University.