EVENTS
Second Industrial Visit to Mohor Superfoods
Second Educational Visit to Mohor Superfoods Enhances Industry Exposure for MBRC Students. A second group of students from MBRC recently visited Mohor Superfoods, Pune, as part of their ongoing learning on industrial applications of Spirulina cultivation. Building on the success of the previous visit, this trip further deepened students’ understanding of sustainable microalgae farming practices. They explored advanced techniques in culture management, environmental monitoring, and quality control for Spirulina production. The team also gained insights into downstream processing, packaging, and regulatory aspects involved in developing Spirulina-based health products. The visit offered a hands-on learning experience that effectively connected theoretical concepts with real-world practices in the growing superfood sector.
Dr. Kapila Kumar as Judge for iGEM 2024 Grand Jambroree
Dr. Kapila Kumar, Director of MBRC and Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, MRIIRS, Faridabad, has been selected as a judge for the prestigious iGEM 2024 Grand Jamboree, to be held from October 23–26 at the Paris Convention Center. iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) is the world’s leading synthetic biology competition, bringing together students, researchers, and innovators from across the globe. As a judge at this globally renowned event, Dr. Kapila will evaluate cutting-edge projects from teams competing in various tracks, recognizing excellence and innovation in synthetic biology. Her selection as a judge reflects her significant contributions to the field and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of bio-innovators.
International Webinar by Dr. Kapila Kumar on Synthetic Biology
Dr. Kapila Kumar, Director of the Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster (MBRC), SET, MRIIRS, successfully delivered an insightful talk at the “ASSB Knowledge Sharing Webinar 2.0” hosted by the African Society for Synthetic Biology on October 10, 2024. Her presentation, titled “Synthetic Biology: Process, Prospects, and Challenges,” delved into the latest innovations in synthetic biology, its real-world applications, and the hurdles faced in advancing the field. Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of responsible practices in engineering biology and highlighted the vast potential for synthetic biology in addressing global challenges. The webinar attracted a diverse audience, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration across borders.
Visit to FICCI Bharat R&D Summit 2024
Dr. Kapila Kumar, Director of the Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster (MBRC), MRIIRS, participated as a delegate in the FICCI Bharat R&D Summit 2024, held from October 3-4 in New Delhi. The summit focused on fostering collaboration between industry and academia to drive innovation and research. Dr. Kumar engaged with leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals, exploring opportunities for academic partnerships and research collaborations. Her participation underscores her commitment to advancing biotechnology research and education, aligning with the summit’s goal of strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem. The insights gained from the event will help bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications, paving the way for future innovation.
Expert Talk by Dr. Vikrant Kulkarni, Founder Mohor Superfoods
On September 27, 2024, the Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster (MBRC), Department of Biotechnology at MRIIRS, organized an expert talk on “Environmental Regulation Domain in India & Career Opportunities for Youngsters.” Led by Dr. Kapila Kumar and featuring keynote speaker Dr. Vikrant Kulkarni, the session aimed to inform students about India’s environmental regulations and related career paths. Dr. Kulkarni, an environmental consultant and founder of Mohor Superfoods, shared his expertise in regulatory frameworks and his journey from conducting coastal surveys to launching a nutraceutical business based on Spirulina cultivation. With 99 participants, including 90 students, the talk highlighted India’s regulatory policies, compliance requirements, and career opportunities in consultancy, policy-making, and NGOs. The event also promoted SDGs related to education, climate action, and sustainability, while providing valuable insights into biotechnology’s role in this sector. Dr. Kulkarni’s personal experiences inspired attendees, emphasizing the importance of integrating science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Visit to Global Bio India 2024
Students from the Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster, Department of Biotechnology, SET, MRIIRS, had an enriching experience at Global Bio India 2024 under the guidance of Dr. Kapila Kumar. The event provided them with valuable exposure to cutting-edge projects and innovations from around the globe. The students had the opportunity to interact with leading researchers, industry experts, and startups, broadening their understanding of biotechnology’s real-world applications. This visit significantly enhanced their knowledge, inspiring them to pursue advanced research and contribute to global scientific advancements.
Industrial Visit to Mohor Superfoods, Pune
A group of students from MBRC recently visited Mohor Superfoods, Pune, to gain firsthand exposure to the industrial aspects of Spirulina cultivation. During the visit, the students learned about sustainable farming practices, the technical intricacies of maintaining optimal growth conditions, and advanced harvesting and post-harvest processing techniques. The visit provided valuable insights into the large-scale production of Spirulina, product development, and the role of Spirulina in the health and wellness industry. This experience bridged academic learning with practical, industry-based applications, enhancing their understanding of the superfood industry.
Workshop on Dental Genetics
Recent DCI Guidelines and need of the hour emphasize on the clear understanding of the role of genetics and environment in the development and treatment of dental disorders. Today’s fast paced research and development in the field of biology and dentistry require the students to have the knowledge of genetics for better diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. To keep this vision in mind, a three day workshop was organized which aimed to imbibe the knowledge of genetics, microbial and behavioral risks contributing to the increasing craniofacial and dental disorders in dentists. The participants learned about various techniques and tools used in today’s research field. From understanding the importance of knowing the oral microflora and DNA isolation to mastering the latest laboratory protocols, participants gained invaluable insights into the role of genetics in dentistry. They left equipped with the skills needed to explore the genetic underpinnings of oral diseases and pave the way for personalized dental treatments.
Workshop on NABL/NABH Guidelines & Processes
A workshop was organized by the Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster and Department of Biotechnology on “NABL/NABH Guidelines & Processes” was organized on 17, November, 2022. The workshop aimed to understand the accreditation process in a better manner and follow the guidelines from the initial steps. The External Expert for NABL, Dr. Sidharth Manvati, Founder and CEO, Foresight Biotech Pvt. Ltd. was called for the purpose. The workshop witnessed the presence of more than 25 members including faculty and staff of Biotechnology department, lab in-charges and technical laboratory staff. Workshop was followed by Lab visits to MBRC Lab, Food Analysis Lab, Microbiology Lab and Biochemistry lab where gap analysis was done and proposed changes were suggested. The event culminated after discussion with PVC Prof. Dr. G. L. Khanna followed by Honourable Vice Chancellor Sir. He guided the organising team and external expert to take things forward immediately.
Workshop on Techniques in Animal Cell Culture
Workshop on “Techniques in Animal Cell Culture” was specially organized from 4th to 8th Nov, 2019 to bridge the glaring skill gap amongst the technical workforce available in biotechnology and the industry requirement in the field of Animal Cell Culture. Out of various applicant, 30 were selected for hands-on session for Animal Cell Culture. The participants got the opportunity to work on the Culture of Human Embryonic Kidney Cell Line (HEK 293). The participants worked on their skills of aseptic transfers and performed trypan-blue dye exclusion assay for determination of cell viability. During the upcoming sessions, the participants worked on gDNA isolation from culuture cells, agarose gel electrophoresis, Microscopy using fluorescent markers, MTT cell viability assay. The participants had a great learning experience as they got a chance to learn from the best internal and external faculties who were called upon to deliver lectures and practical session.
