KIMIN, Oct 30: The DBT-APSCS&T Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Bioresources and Sustainable Development at Kimin organised an educational outreach programme on biodiversity conservation and biotechnology applications on Friday, with 102 Class IX students from Valley View School, North Lakhimpur, participating.
The students, accompanied by seven teachers, were introduced to the importance of biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilisation of bioresources and the role of modern scientific technologies in research and development.
The programme was organised under the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India-sponsored project for the establishment of a Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Centre (BIC). It forms part of the CoE's ongoing outreach initiatives to promote awareness of biotechnology, bioinformatics and their interdisciplinary applications in life sciences.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Debajit Mahanta, Project Director of the CoE, who introduced the students to the centre and its research activities.
A visual presentation on the centre's ongoing research, scientific activities and major initiatives provided the students with an overview of its contribution to bioresource-based research and sustainable development.
A laboratory visit was a major highlight of the programme, allowing the students to explore research facilities and gain first-hand exposure to laboratory environments and scientific practices. They were also introduced to the applications of biotechnology, bioinformatics and computational biology in bioresource-based research, including the study and conservation of biological resources.
The outreach programme also covered themes relating to botanical and medicinal plants and orchids, highlighting the scientific and conservation value of the region's rich biodiversity.
Through the initiative, the centre reaffirmed its commitment to promoting scientific awareness among school students and encouraging interest in biotechnology and research through practical exposure and interactive learning.