In an effort towards enhancing academic and research capabilities, SRM University-AP and Samishta Hospital and Research Institute (SHRI) formalised an understanding on scientific cooperation in biological sciences and other areas of mutual interest. The MoU signing ceremony that took place at SRM University-AP and was signed by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar- SRM University-AP and Dr Kalyan Chakravarthy, Managing Director-Samistha Hospital and Research Institute, Guntur in the presence of Dr Sandeep and Dr Ravi Teja, Dr Varun, Dr Ramakrishna, Dr Gnana Prakash Doctors from SHRI and Prof. C V Tomy, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences; Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research; Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean-Sciences (Admission Outreach and Research Collaborations); Assistant Professors at the Department of Biological Sciences-Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan, Dr Anil K Suresh, Dr Prateek Gupta among others.

The MoU will open pathways for collaborative opportunities in research and academics, fostering joint research projects and funding possibilities while also emphasising the importance of skill development through seminars organised by both the institutions.

Registrar Dr R Premkumar highlighted the significance of this partnership and the potential outcomes of the joint venture. Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan thanked the team from Samistha Hospitals and Research Centre for joining hands and taking the phase therapy from bench to bedside. This MoU between the two institutes of eminence aims to create a dynamic environment for innovative research that will benefit not just our institutions but also the society in general.

The Department of Biological Sciences organised an expert talk on “Guiding Biomaterial Design Through the Power of Omics Technologies” by Prof. Stefan Kalkhof on February 05, 2025. Prof. Kalkhof, a distinguished member of the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and Head of the Proteomics Research Group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Germany, began the session with an introduction to Coburg University, highlighting its rich academic history and research contributions, followed by a brief overview of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), which is dedicated to developing the medicine of the future through innovative research in cell therapy and immunology.

Prof. Kalkhof’s talk focused on the potential of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and its wide-ranging applications in biomedical research. He emphasised how this advanced technology helps study the structure and function of drug targets, develop cancer-specific drugs, design functional implants, understand bacterial infections, and assess the toxic effects of chemicals.

A significant part of the discourse revolves around bone implants and tissue regeneration. He explained that although bones naturally regenerate, certain conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders, may need bioactive scaffolds to promote healing. These smart scaffolds are designed to stimulate active tissue regeneration.

Prof. Kalkhof also spoke about the importance of proteomics technologies in regenerative medicine. He highlighted how mass spectrometry at the protein level plays a crucial role in healing, diagnostics, and drug development. His discussion extended to bioactive functional implants, a field that offers vast opportunities for materials scientists, chemists, toxicologists, and medical researchers.

The session also covered clinical trials and experimental models used to evaluate bioactive scaffolds, including in vitro and in vivo characterisation, osteoblast cell culture models, and simulation experiments in animal models.

Towards the conclusion of his talk, Prof. Kalkhof provided insights into ongoing projects in regenerative medicine, emphasising the significance of comprehensive analysis for bio-resource-based bioactive scaffolds. He also acknowledged his core research team and their invaluable contributions to these projects. The lecture was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where students and faculty members posed insightful questions about proteomics, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine.

field-visit-aiims-mangalagiri

In a significant stride towards enriching their academic experience, students from the Department of Biological Sciences embarked on a captivating field trip to AIIMS Mangalagiri. This excursion served as an integral component of their Active Learning Process, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world applications in the realm of biology. The cohort comprised students from diverse academic backgrounds, including those pursuing 1st year B.Sc in Integrative Biology and M.Sc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology. Their visit to AIIMS Mangalagiri provided them with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into cutting-edge practices in the field of biomedicine.

During their visit, the students were granted exclusive access to the Integrated Stewardship and OPD Labs, where they were immersed in a world of advanced diagnostics and research methodologies. Expert lectures and demonstrations on state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques such as MALDI-TOF, CBNAAT, CLIA, Vitek, and BactAlert offered invaluable insights into the intricacies of disease detection and monitoring.

This excursion underscored the department’s commitment to fostering a culture of active learning and practical exposure among its students. By exposing them to prominent institutions and industries, such as AIIMS Mangalagiri, students were provided with hands-on training and the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field.

Accompanying the students were esteemed faculty members of the department, including Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan, Dr Sudeshna Saha, and Dr Prateek Gupta, whose guidance and mentorship further enriched the learning experience.

field-visit-aiims2

Furthermore, the collaborative efforts between the faculty of SRM University-AP and researchers at AIIMS Mangalagiri were highlighted during the visit. These collaborations span various domains, from developing biomedical devices for disease diagnosis to research endeavours in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), early cancer detection, and drug targeting. Such synergies between academia and research institutions present students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in impactful research initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of scientific knowledge

Overall, the field visit to AIIMS Mangalagiri served as a catalyst for academic excellence and professional growth, empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of biological sciences.

ICAFA 2023SRM University-AP successfully conducted a two-day International Conclave on Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAFA 2023) in collaboration with AMR Insights from The Netherlands, UK Innovate KTN, Global AMR Hub, Germany, Nitte (Deemed to be University), FABA and ICFAI where esteemed speakers and renowned researchers from across the world came together to address the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance and promote global health awareness.

ICAFA 2023 acted as a premier platform for experts to share insights, exchange knowledge, and collectively develop actionable strategies to combat the pressing issue. The conclave proved to be a significant milestone in the field of healthcare by providing a common ground for multidisciplinary experts to engage in thought-provoking discussions like ways to make people aware of the right use of antibiotics and control measures to combat it. The event witnessed the presence of leading healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and scientists like Dr Marteen Van Dongen, AMR Insights, Netherlands; Dr Simon Doherty, Queen’s University Belfast, UK; Dr Joanna Wiecek, CSO, CircaGene, UK; Dr Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health and Welfare, AHDB, UK; Dr Peter Coombs, LifeArc, UK; Dr Robin Cohen, Innovate UK; Prof. Ranga Reddy Burri, IFCAI, Prof Reddanna, FABD, Prof. Niyas Ahmed, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Fellow from the University of Hyderabad, Dr. Nagendra R. Hegde, NIAB and many more who showcased their expertise and shared groundbreaking research and measures in combating AMR. Acknowledging the pressing need for international collaboration and research to combat antimicrobial resistance, SRM University-AP extended its reach through a strategic partnership by signing an MOU with AMR Insights and NITTE (deemed to be the University).

In addition to the esteemed keynote address, an interactive panel discussion and press conference were organized, covering various aspects of antimicrobial resistance. The conference served as a platform for experts to make people aware of the emergence of drug-resistant infections, challenges in the reckless use of antibiotics, and innovative approaches to infection control because of the adverse effects.

Besides the main conference event on Thursday, three roundtables with themes on One Health, Therapeutics and Vaccines, and Diagnostics and Therapeutics were held, during which UK experts, Indian AMR researchers, experts from industry and startups, and representatives from the state medical colleges, AP government departments – health, animal husbandry, and Fisheries, discussed on the possibilities of UK- India collaboration efforts to combat AMR pathogens.

Concluding the International Conclave on Antimicrobial Resistance, dignitaries from SRM University-AP and other esteemed institutions released “10 Mantras to Combat Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms” These guidelines encapsulate the collective wisdom and recommendations of the experts present at ICAFA 2023, serving as a guiding light for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public in combating antibiotic resistance.

Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, emphasized the institution’s commitment to addressing global health challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Antimicrobial resistance is a complex issue that requires collective action. By hosting ICAFA 2023, SRM University AP aims to create a platform for fruitful discussions, research collaborations, and policy recommendations to combat this global health crisis.

Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean i/c (Sciences) SEAS and Head of the Biological Sciences Department, expressed his gratitude towards the participants and speakers for their contributions to this remarkable event. He stated, “ICAFA 2023 has provided us with a robust platform to collaborate, exchange ideas, and collectively address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance. We are confident that the knowledge shared and the strategies proposed during this conclave will pave the way for a healthier future.”

SRM University-AP’s successful organization of ICAFA 2023 demonstrates its commitment to fostering collaborative efforts in addressing global health challenges. By bringing together international experts and promoting public awareness, the university reiterates its dedication to advancing healthcare and finding tangible solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance.

 

 

Barath Sivaraj

Barath Sivaraj, a research scholar from the Department of Biological Sciences at SRM University-AP has achieved an outstanding feat by receiving the DST INSPIRE Fellowship, a highly regarded programme sponsored and overseen by the Department of Science & Technology.

Sivaraj’s research focuses on exploring how bacteriophages, a type of virus that infects and reproduces inside bacteria, utilises the bacterial system. This research has earned Sivaraj the Fellowship, which runs for a duration of 5 years. The researcher also gets to carry out his research at any national or international laboratories other than their host institute for a period of 18 months.

Barath expresses his immense delight and pride in receiving this fellowship and considers it a significant milestone in his academic journey. Sivaraj explains that applicants must meet several criteria, such as being a top-ranked student in a full-time postgraduate science programme or a related field at the university level. Sivaraj credits his research supervisor, Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan, for guiding him through the application process. As a future prospect, Sivaraj plans to pursue his post-doctoral studies abroad and eventually wishes to offer his professional services at a reputable university.

We wish him all success!

Dr Imran Pancha from the Department of Biological Sciences, SRM university – AP is recognised in Biotechnology among the top 2% scientists/researchers across the world By Stanford University Researchers. Recently an article has been published in PLOS Biology by Stanford University Researchers on the highly cited researchers in 22 different fields and their subfields. In the Biotechnology field, 1,074 scientists/faculty members were identified, and Dr Imran Pancha is one amongst them. From India, only 77 scientists/faculty members could achieve this honour, and Dr Imran Pancha is one among them. This is an admirable achievement for a young faculty from a nascent University to be in the top 2% scientists of the world. Dr P Sathyanarayanan, the President of SRM University-AP honoured Dr Pancha for bringing this scientific laurel to the university.

Overall, of the top 160,000 scientists from different fields of Science & Technology, India hosts 2,313 scientists/faculty members. This list comprises of the prominent and illustrious scientists from India.

Dr Imran Pancha is a young researcher working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh. He has obtained his doctoral degree from CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute-Bhavnagar after graduating from Bhavnagar University. He has also worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Japanese Society for Promotion of Science, Japan before joining SRM University-AP.

Dr Pancha’s primary research focus is to produce renewable energy from microalgae. His team is trying to develop integrated microalgal bio-refinery to produce high-value compounds like phycobiliproteins, carotenoids along with biofuel and bio-fertilisers from microalgae. Apart from this, he is also interested to understand algal-bacterial interaction, particularly isolate and characterise the microalgae associated bacteria and finding their role in growth enhancement and inhibition in microalgae.

A profound and astute fourth edition of the Biology Seminar Series on the theme “Dietary Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Dietary Management”, which was held on May 29, 2021, addressed the vital questions on factors contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases. Dr A Laxmaiah, Director Grade Scientist (Scientist ‘G’- Epidemiology) and HoD, Division of Public Health and Nutrition from ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), elucidated on the topic and discussed the role of nutrition in alleviating such risks.

Dr Laxmaiah stated that almost 38% of children in India are stunted and over 21% are wasted, which is a very alarming statistic. He also noted that, according to reports, more than 60% of the country’s population suffers from iron deficiency, as well as other serious vitamin deficiencies. According to him, a 2016 study discovered that almost 5.8 million people die in India each year because of non-communicable ailments. Dr Laxmaiah stated that the rise in NCDs is primarily due to smoking, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet. The poor dietary intake among Indians was identified as an alarming issue and he further highlighted the need for individuals to adhere to a traditional diet rich in vitamins and minerals. The session was aimed to raise community awareness on the risk factors for non-communicable disease and the urgency of taking action to address the growing concern of NCDs.

Upon the completion of the lecture, an interactive discussion session followed with the topic overview, providing participants with an opportunity to ask in-depth questions.

Pre-Event Release: https://srmap.edu.in/events/biology-seminar-series-04/

Eenadu newspaper has published an informative interview with Prof C Durga Rao, Professor of Biological Sciences & Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Sciences, and School of Liberal Arts and Social Science (SLASS), in their front page on the most relevant topic of our times, ‘Corona Virus and its Mutations’. As the world stays petrified awaiting further mutations of Covid-19 virus, Dr Rao clearly answered the pertinent questions regarding the waves of pandemic in this exclusive interview.

Detailing from the process of cell division to the natural process of origin of mutations, he talked about the harmless viruses and the pathogenic viruses that influence the immune system of the human body. Moving on to the antiviral medication, he cautioned against Remdesivir, a drug widely used for Covid-19 treatment. Majority of antiviral drugs are similar to the nucleotides in viral RNA, and are called analogues. As the virus keeps an mutating naturally because of the error-prone viral RNA polymerase that synthesizes progeny viral RNA copies, when a drug is frequently given to a patient, mutants that are resistant to the drug will be selected to replicate in the presence of the drug. Thus, when the same drug is given to treat the new mutant that escapes, the drug will not work against the new variants.

The single mutations L452R and E484Q, first detected in variants in the US and South Africa, respectively, occurred simultaneously in the double mutant, first detected in India. There is nothing surprising in finding double mutants as a variety of mutants are produced in a single patient, but only a few, which are capable of faster replication and spread will be able to survive in the population. As we have a large population density, the double mutant, which binds to the ACE2 receptor on the cell surface and enters into the cell more efficiently, spread like wildfire from December last year to March this year. To face the potential threat of the third wave of Covid-19 virus that is looming around us, the people have to take necessary precautions and comply with the lockdowns and restrictions. Though a third wave is inevitable, it is possible for India to avoid the severe impact of the third wave through wearing a mask, and immunization, he said. Approval of more vaccines and enhancing the delivery of vaccines across the country can shield the population from severe coronavirus disease and death.

Dr Rao, whose major research areas include Molecular Virology, Recombinant DNA technology, Vaccines and Diagnostics had been a professor and INSA Senior Scientist at Indian Institute of Science (IISc). He is currently working on a project worth 1.10 crore.

Student Interview: Gadupudi Gowtham
Q: Hi Gowtham, could you elaborate on the master’s program that you are being enrolled in?
A: Sure. M1 Life Sciences and Health – International Track – France, is a Master’s Program in the University of Paris-Saclay, France. I am enrolled in this research-driven multidisciplinary Master’s Program of two semesters that will nurture my research interests and can help me develop individual research trajectories.

Q: Please explain how this course is multidisciplinary.
A: This Master’s program is divided into three parts. During the first part of the program, all students are required to study Core Courses that address key concepts and challenges in the following basic fields of Life Sciences and Health. In the second part of the program, students can choose among a wide range of Elective Courses according their academic and career development goals. The third part is Research training which includes 4-week laboratory rotation period + 8-week internship.

Q: Had you applied to any other University?
A: Along with this university, I have also applied for Master of Science, Molecular Biology and Evolution (MAMBE) at the Christian – Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany, and some other universities. MAMBE is an international program, taught entirely in English, and it is based on the fruitful collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön. Together with further collaborations (with the Leibniz Science Campus EvoLUNG (Evolutionary Medicine of the Lung), and also the Collaborative Research Centre 1182, Origin and Function of Metaorganisms), it specifically combines the areas of evolution and molecular biology – a combination which has emerged as an extremely successful interdisciplinary research field in recent years but has not yet been available in academic education.

Q: Can you talk about the Universities where you have applied in some detail?
A: In France, the University of Paris Saclay is a collaboration from all the respected universities with more than 300 laboratories with funding from the French government. And Kiel has emerged as a hotspot for Evolutionary Research in Germany. This includes several research groups with a focus on evolutionary topics at Kiel University (CAU).

Q: What are the scholarships that you have applied for?
A: Currently, at Paris- Saclay I haven’t applied for any scholarship yet but it has an Idex Scholarship for those who enroll in the Master’s Program.
In the MAMBE program, I have applied for the DAAD short-term scholarships and Promo’s scholarship for doing my Master’s thesis. Also, MAMBE has HiWi jobs as a research assistant at the desired lab. As a student affiliated to the Royal Society of Biology, I can also utilize the grants for my travel and Research Projects every year.

Q: How was your preparation for applications?
A: When I applied to the University of Paris Saclay, I applied through their University Portal. After verifications, I received an invitation for the Interview. On the day of the interview, I was asked about my current research project at SRM-AP, my motivation to study, and my future research goals and after 5 days I received an email stating that I was accepted.
I searched about German Universities through DAAD which is a database for education in Germany. After selecting the university, I had applied both online and through the post. Currently, it is being processed by the Uni- Assist where after meeting the requirements my application will be forwarded to the MAMBE admission team.

Q: Did you receive any support from SRM-AP and your department?
A: I can’t forget the support that I have received from SRM-AP University in providing me with the required attested documents and also giving necessary permissions during the pandemic. From the Department of Biological Sciences, the recommendation letters from Dr Jayaseelan Murugaiyan and Dr Manjunatha Thondamal supported my application to the universities that I have applied. The support and appreciation from everyone in the Biological Sciences Department has played an essential role in securing this admission.

Ms Vasika Venugopal, a final year BSc Biology student at SRM University-AP has secured awe-inspiring admissions in a number of eminent higher education institutions inside and outside India. She is selected for the Master’s programme at the University of Tübingen, Germany; Charité -Universitätmedizin Berlin, Germany; University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; University of Paris-Saclay, Paris, France; University of Bordeaux, Talance, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France; and for an Integrated PhD degree at National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore. She was also shortlisted in the following Universities viz Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Germany (MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology); Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea; University of Bonn, Germany (MSc Neuroscience); JNCASR, Bengaluru (Integrated PhD Biological Sciences); and IISER, Pune (Integrated PhD Biological Sciences).

Here’s an exclusive interview with Ms Vasika Venugopal:

Hi Vasika, can you tell us how you developed your interest in neuroscience?
For as long as I could remember, I have held a deep-rooted interest in neuroscience. The brain is one of the finest examples of synergy. It has always baffled me that the stream of thoughts that we call consciousness could arise from a series of neurons firing action potentials from one point to another. The entire world around us is reconstructed only using receptors on neural tissue and neurotransmitters. In our head, we house a mere handful of a mass of cells, but “it can contemplate the meaning of infinity, and it can contemplate itself, contemplating the meaning of infinity.” I find that quite ironic and miraculous at the same time. When we look at the parts of the brain, we expect nothing magnificent to arise from it, but the magnitude of emotions we feel, thoughts that we manifest, and memories that we recall are all testament to something more. This is why I have chosen to pursue Neuroscience.

What is your motivation for choosing the University of Bordeaux, France among all other Universities?
After a period of deliberation, I have finally decided to accept the admission offer into the Bordeaux International Masters in Neuroscience Program at the University of Bordeaux, France. This international Master’s program provides a unique interdisciplinary and integrated training approach that covers all major topics of brain research, from normal brain functions to brain disorders. Neuroscience in Bordeaux has grown over the last 15 years to become one of the largest Neuroscience scientific communities in France and in Europe, with over 600 people working in the various Neuroscience laboratories of the University of Bordeaux. In order to meet the most important challenges facing Neuroscience research, all these laboratories are grouped within a virtual institute, called the Bordeaux Neurocampus, a multidisciplinary consortium of world-renowned scientists. Bordeaux Neurocampus offers, together with our international academic partners, excellent opportunities for traineeships.

Is there any scholarship offered in the University where you are enrolling into?
One of the key points of the program is that students are offered scholarships based on their performance. As for my admission, I am eligible for a partial tuition fee waiver. Students completing their traineeship in a laboratory of the University of Bordeaux receive a monthly stipend during the traineeship as well.

Can you brief the application process for those students who dream to study abroad?
In general, for applications to universities in France, you would have to apply through the Campus France website. However, for the universities that I had applied to, such as the University of Paris, the University of Bordeaux, and the University of Paris-Saclay, one could directly apply to the program itself. The application process is pretty simple, and you would require only basic documents such as an ID, academic transcripts, a bonafide certificate issued from the university, a proof of English proficiency, a letter of motivation, reference letters, your curriculum vitae, etc. I have written the DELF examination for French, and possess certifications from Alliance Francais. I believe this would also be helpful for other students as well. The search for programs in English might be exhaustive, and one might have to go through a university’s website before applying as some of the modules might be in French. Following applications, one would have to undergo interviews with the admission board, which is honestly the scariest part, and depending on your performance and application, your admission is decided. In the case of most German universities that I had applied to, I had to submit my application with the basic documents through the university website and was called for an entrance exam if my application was shortlisted. If my performance in the entrance exam was satisfactory, I would then be called for a minimum of one interview, and a maximum of two. In some cases, like the University of Wurzburg, you would also have to present your research work in a 10-minute presentation and defend your hypothesis through the questioning round that follows. Honestly, this part is very exciting! As a whole, the application process is intensive, but it is an opportunity for you to grow your network and learn to think in ways you haven’t before. I am still in contact with most of the professors that had interviewed me, and talking to different people has honestly helped grow my sphere, which has been hard due to the pandemic.

Amazing! Can you talk about the support that you have received from your department at SRM-AP during these application processes?
Throughout the rigorous processes of applications, professors from the Department of Biological Sciences were extremely helpful. Dr Manjunatha Thondamal’s knowledge of the French education system and his relentless aid in modifying my letter of motivation were extremely helpful. Prof Jayaseelan Murugaiyan and Dr Imran Pancha were incredibly patient with the number of recommendation letters they had to write for my applications. Each of them took their own time to help me pick universities and courses, discussing their pros and cons along the way. I have received a lot of support and advice from my department throughout my time at SRM for my education, internships, projects, and Master’s application, and I’ll always be grateful for that.