ILS celebrates its annual day

Bhubaneswar, Feb 11: Despite the pandemic that impacted the pace of development, scientists and students of Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) have made significant progress in research, development and addressing societal issues during the year. This was highlighted by Dr. Ajay Parida, Director, ILS during its annual day celebration.  He mentioned that ILS has published 62 research papers, have obtained 2 patents, and commercialized one product. Seven students were awarded Ph.D. degree and a number of facilities and students have been awarded with 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. ILS have carried out many socially relevant programs 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.  Dr. SangamitraPati, Director, RMRC and Prof. Savita Acharya, Vice Chancellor, Utkal University participated in the event and complemented ILS for remarkable achievements. Dr. Pati, while appreciating the untiring efforts of ILS in COVID-19 testing, mentioned that the collaborative work of ILS and RMRC in COVID research have resulted in understanding the scientific on the disease progression, management and control.  Prof. Acharya in her remark stressed on the partnerships among the institutions in Odisha is vital in addressing the societal goals using advanced science and technology options. ILS stands tall as a leading R&D institution in Odisha and therefore ideally placed to take the lead for developing a vibrant research ecosystem in the state, she said. On the occasion of the Annual Day, the guests presented ILS students and staff with best employee award, and oral and poster presentation award to 23 students and staff. The ILS newsletter was also released.