Prof Amitabh Joshi to initiate the SRM-AP Biology Seminar Series – 2021
The Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh has taken an initiative to organize the SRM-AP Biology Seminar Series – 2021. During the series, prominent scientists in the field of Biology from India and abroad will deliver a lecture every month through the virtual platform. The lectures are designed to encompass various topics on modern Biology to inspire scientists, undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD scholars, and faculty members.
Prof Amitabh Joshi, Professor and Chairman, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore, India, will be delivering the opening lecture of the series on February 27, 2021, at 11 AM. The erudite professor will be illuminating the audience on “Why evolution is central to both biology and our lives”. In this talk, Prof Joshi will address some of the misconceptions pertaining to evolution, and illustrate that evolutionary Biology is a very well-established and verified body of scientific knowledge. He will also demonstrate that an evolutionary perspective is not just central to Biology as a discipline, but also capable of addressing several unrelenting societal problems. Further, Prof Joshi will mention some of the significant Indian contributions to the development of evolutionary thinking over the past three to four decades.
Prof Joshi attained PhD in Genetics (1993) from Washington State University, Pullman. He then worked as a postdoctoral fellow with Laurence D Mueller at the University of California, Irvine (1994-96). He has been a Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies, Berlin, in 2001. Prof Joshi’s current research interests are in life-history evolution population dynamics, and he uses a combination of experimental approaches and theoretical work using computer simulations to carry out evolution studies of fruit flies. Also, he has worked on the evolution of extreme ecological specialization, and the evolutionary maintenance of sexual reproduction.
Prof Joshi has also served the editorial boards of Resonance, Journal of Genetics, Journal of Biosciences, International Journal of Evolutionary Biology, and Journal of Theoretical Biology. He is presently the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Genetics. In addition, Prof Joshi is a Fellow of all the three national science academies of India. He has been awarded the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award (Biological Sciences) in 2009, and the Lakshmipat Singhania-IIM Lucknow Young Leader in Science and Technology (National Leadership Awards) in 2010. He is also a J C Bose National Fellow. Recently, a new ant species discovered from Kerala has been named after Prof Amitabh Joshi.
Registration Link: Registration Link
- Published in Biology Events, Events
“Multicellularity and Organizational Principles of Metabolism”- Dr Sunil ushers in the new possibilities
In the next chapter of the Biology Seminar Series, the Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University-AP, invites Dr Sunil Laxman to deliver an enlightening talk on “Rethinking multicellularity based on the organizational principles of metabolism”. Biology Seminar Series 03 has been scheduled for April 24, 2021, at 11.00 am.
Dr Sunil Laxman is an Associate Investigator at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore. The laboratory is interested in understanding organizational principles of metabolic regulation and mechanisms of nutrient sensing. The laboratory research interests can be viewed in three parts: (i) understanding what makes some metabolites special, (ii) discovering metabolic sensors and signalling systems, and (iii) understanding how metabolic constraints can control collective cell behaviour. These studies integrate systems-level approaches, mechanistic biochemistry and cell biology, and theory/mathematical modelling to address these questions. Dr Sunil Laxman has been a DBT-Wellcome India Alliance Intermediate Fellow and is a current EMBO Global Investigator. Beyond the lab, Dr Sunil is interested in understanding how science and innovation can be effectively scaled-this includes policy, innovation hubs, and research outreach programs.
Dr Sunil did his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Industrial Biotechnology from the Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai. He obtained his PhD from the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. He spent several years at the Dept. of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Scientist before joining inStem, Bangalore.
Dr Sunil is also active in science outreach programmes, and he has written popular science articles. The periodic science column for The Wire on the process of discovery, innovation and the scientific method; “Who moved my science”- a science policy and process discussion on the Pragati podcast; Science communication on amazing fungi are some of the examples that bear his signature as a passionate science preacher and educator.
It is a great privilege for Biology enthusiasts to have such a versatile scientist among them. Join the webinar on April 24, 2021, at 11.00 am to learn more from the expert himself.
- Published in Biology Events, Departmental Events, Events, Webinars
Intriguing discussion on “Dietary Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Dietary Management”
The fourth edition of the Biology Seminar Series presents an enthralling webinar on “Dietary Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Dietary Management.” Dr A Laxmaiah, Director Grade Scientist (Scientist ‘G’- Epidemiology) and HoD, Division of Public Health and Nutrition from ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), will grace the event as the keynote speaker. The webinar has been scheduled for May 29, 2021, at 11 am.
Dr A Laxmaiah has an academic background in Medicine and Public Health, with hands-on professional experience in Public Health Nutrition at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), ICMR, Hyderabad. He is involved in many training & capacity building programmes in health and nutrition care. He has carried out several epidemiological, operational research and randomized clinical trials (RCT) in the field of Health and Nutrition. Dr A Laxmaiah further attended and presented numerous research papers in National and International Conferences, Seminars, workshops and meetings.
Dr A Laxmaiah has published more than 120 papers in National & International journals like The Lancet and BMJ. He is a subject Expert member in several health and nutrition committees of various Ministries like Department of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Science and Technology (DST), HRD (MDM Programme), Government of India and in many National and International NGOs.
Dr A Laxmaiah graduated in medicine (MBBS) from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal in 1987. After that, he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH), Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 1992 and a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Nutrition from National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad in 1994. Dr A Laxmaiah pursued Master Degree in Public Health (MPH) from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medicine Sciences and Technology, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala and a Master in Business Management (MBA). Lastly, he was awarded a PhD in Public Health Nutrition by the NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada in 2014. He has written many book chapters on health and Nutrition and received several national and international training in health and Nutrition.
Dr A Laxmaiah has been honoured with many awards and accolades. He has received the International training Fellowship Award in the year 2006 from the ‘International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), USA, to attend the African Nutrition Epidemiology Conference in August 2006, Ghana, South Africa. He was awarded INF/Kraft Fellowship for the training of “Institutional Research Capacity Strengthening in Nutrition” in September 2007 and also attended the 10th Asian Congress of Nutrition at Taipei, Taiwan. Dr A Laxmaiah received the Best Paper Award in the year 2008 for the paper “Pattern of indigenous vegetables and legumes consumption in rural India”, presented in the International Conference on Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes. Prospectus for Fighting Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition, ICRISAT, Patancheru, Hyderabad. He was selected for the ‘International Health Professional of the year 2010’, awarded by the Research and Advisory Board, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, UK. Dr A Laxmaiah also received a Postdoctoral Training Award from the Bristol University and London School of Hygiene and Public Health, UK., in 2012. He was further selected as an ‘Honorary Senior Research Fellow’ in the Faculty of Medicine at the Royal Imperial College, London, UK, in recognition of his contributions to the field of Nutrition and Health.
Join the webinar on May 29, 2021, at 11 am to avail yourself the opportunity to learn more on Dietary risk factors for Non-communicable diseases from the expert himself.
Register:http://bit.ly/SRMAP_BiologySeries4
- Published in Biology Events, Events, Webinars
Viruses and Humans: In Conversation with Prof Durga Rao
An online panel discussion on the topic “Viruses and Humans: living together in health and disease” will be held on June 12, 2021, at 5.00 pm, under the auspices of SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh. Prof C Durga Rao, a leading scientist in the field of Virology in India, will chair the session and elucidate on the history of humans and viruses being cohabitants. He is also the Associate Dean-Sciences, and School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS), SRM University-AP.
Dr Rao, whose major research areas include Molecular Virology, Recombinant DNA technology, Vaccines and Diagnostics had been a professor and INSA Senior Scientist at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Recently, he was interviewed by Eenadu newspaper on ‘Corona Virus and its Mutations’ and he encapsulated various methods to tackle the inevitable third wave of Covid-19. Dr Imran Pancha, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Sciences, SRM- AP, and Revathi Balakrishnan, Assistant Director, Student Affairs, SRM-AP will join Dr Rao in the panel and discuss the benign viruses and the pathogenic viruses that influence the immune system of the human body.
All are cordially invited to this engrossing panel discussion.
To join the discussion:
https://srmap.zoom.us/j/97482617299?pwd=OWR1dHNZS0N6SUtTemltUTdlT1lkQT09
Passcode: 022817
- Published in Biology Events, Events
An Informative Webinar on Choosing BSc (Hons) Integrative Biology at SRM-AP and its Prospective Career Options
SRM University-AP has begun a series of Webinars to introduce its departments and courses to aspiring applicants of the undergraduate degree programmes. Different departments are presenting interactive sessions to provide an overview of their respective courses and additional resources that SRM University-AP students have access to during their academic years. The Department of Biological Sciences hosts a similar seminar to enlighten enthusiastic students with an overview of the BSc (Hons) in Integrative Biology and the career options associated with it. Prof Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, will educate the audience with an in-depth discussion on the subject and why it will be beneficial to pursue the BSc in Integrative Biology from SRM University-AP. The session is on July 1, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
The series primarily aims to provide candidates with information about the department, courses, and unlimited prospects to explore at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh. Prof Jayaseelan Murugaiyan is a senior scientist and subject matter expert who previously worked as the Scientist & Group Leader (Proteomics) at the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Center for Infectious Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. He taught at many national institutes and an international institute, Germany’s Freie Universitaet-Dhalem Berlin’s Research School of Biomedical Sciences. He is the author of almost 50 papers in biological sciences and studies. To obtain detailed information about the BSc in Integrative Biology programme, you must attend the informative session on July 1, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
Registrar: https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-XnApWOUQ_GToI4YapT_bQ
- Published in Admission Events - Domestic, Biology Events, Events
An Informative Webinar on Choosing BSc (Hons) Integrative Biology at SRM-AP and its Prospective Career Options
SRM University-AP has begun a series of Webinars to introduce its departments and courses to aspiring applicants of the undergraduate degree programmes. Different departments are presenting interactive sessions to provide an overview of their respective courses and additional resources that SRM University-AP students have access to during their academic years. The Department of Biological Sciences hosts a similar seminar to enlighten enthusiastic students with an overview of the BSc (Hons) in Integrative Biology and the career options associated with it. Prof Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, will educate the audience with an in-depth discussion on the subject and why it will be beneficial to pursue the BSc in Integrative Biology from SRM University-AP. The session is on July 22, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
The series primarily aims to provide candidates with information about the department, courses, and unlimited prospects to explore at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh. Prof Jayaseelan Murugaiyan is a senior scientist and subject matter expert who previously worked as the Scientist & Group Leader (Proteomics) at the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Center for Infectious Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. He taught at many national institutes and an international institute, Germany’s Freie Universitaet-Dhalem Berlin’s Research School of Biomedical Sciences. He is the author of almost 50 papers in biological sciences and studies. To obtain detailed information about the BSc in Integrative Biology programme, you must attend the informative session on July 22, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
Registrar:https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7hOTb4LTTiO6Ra62VZMGzw
- Published in Admission Events - Domestic, Biology Events, Events
CSIR-CCMB chief scientist talks in the Biological Sciences webinar
The latest episode of the webinar series conducted by the Department of Biological Sciences in SRM University-AP is scheduled for July 31, 2021, at 11.00 am. Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan, Chief Scientist at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) will give a lecture on the topic “X-ray vision on ‘Chiral Checkpoints’ during protein biosynthesis” in the session. Faculty and research scholars from the department will join the speaker on the panel.
Protein chains contain only l-amino acids, with the exception of the achiral glycine, making the chains homochiral. This homochirality is a prerequisite for proper protein folding and, hence, normal cellular function. As a scientist, Dr Sankaranarayanan comprehensively reviews d-amino acids with respect to their occurrence and physiological roles, implications for chiral checkpoints required for translation fidelity, and potential use in synthetic biology. He has co-authored and published a research paper titled “Chiral checkpoints during protein biosynthesis” in the “Journal of Biological Chemistry”.
Read the full paper here:https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.rev119.008166
About the Speaker:
Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan obtained Bachelors and Masters in Physics from Madurai Kamaraj University and his PhD from the Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1996. He was a postdoctoral research fellow at IGBMC, Strasbourg, France from 1996-2002. Dr Sankaranarayanan, after returning to India in 2002, has set up a state-of-the-art macromolecular crystallography laboratory and is carrying out research in the field of Structural Biology. From CCMB, his group has made outstanding contributions in the area of proofreading during protein biosynthesis. He was awarded the prestigious Wellcome Trust International Senior Research Fellowship, UK in 2003, Swarnajayanthi fellowship of the DST, India in 2005-2006, National Bioscience Award of DBT in 2008, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award in 2011, GN Ramachandran Gold Medal in 2015 and Infosys Science Prize in 2020. He is an Associate Editor of Journal of Structural Biology and Board of Reviewing Editor of the journal eLife. He is also a fellow of all the three major science academies of the country.
Join this free informative webinar on July 31, 2021, 11.00 am onwards to gain research insights from the field expert.
Register here:https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_l7rK4UOfTFGFUiHe7W2OMA
- Published in Biology Events, Departmental Events, Events
Careers in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-srmap
The Department of Biological Sciences is organising an Industry Expert Lecture Series featuring talks from industry experts from various domains of biology. As part of the series, a lecture titled “Choosing Biotechnology along with Molecular Biology as a Career” will be delivered by Dr Krishna Rayudu from Sanzyme Biologics Pvt. Ltd. on June 02, 2023. The talk will highlight industry expectations and skill development for BSc, MSc, and PhD students to enter into Biotech Industries.
Join the session to gain insight into the scope and opportunities for a successful career in the Biotech industry!
- Published in Biology Events, Departmental Events, Events