Ansari inaugurates Inter-University Centre for Biosciences in Kannur University

Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari presenting the 13th A.K. Nair Memorial Award to the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, T.K.A. Nair, at Kannur, in Kerala on July 10, 2010. Governor of Kerala, R S Gavai and other dignitaries are also seen.

Vice-President M Hamid Ansari today inaugurated the Inter-University Centre for Biosciences established by the Government of Kerala in Kannur University.

The centre is part of the State Government's initiative in establishing Inter University Centres in eight fields of academic study in various universities in Kerala.

These centres, which will function in an autonomous manner, are expected to facilitate and promote the nucleation and growth of active groups in specific fields of research. They will also foster the development of centres of excellence within the university sector for teaching, research and development in specialized disciplines.

Mr Ansari noted that the centre was expected to build on the progress made by the university’s Bio-technology and Micro-biology Department in the areas of structural biology and structure-based drug discovery and designing.

He said he was also confident that it would provide an impetus to harnessing the herbal wealth and traditional knowledge systems in the North Malabar region, within the framework of advanced science and technology.

"This can be achieved in the context of inter disciplinary study and research, interface with academic institutions, the national laboratory system and the industry," he said.

The Vice-President hoped that, in addition to core academic programmes, the Inter University Centres would also promote visitor academic programmes and assist in continuing education of the teaching fraternity. The sharing of facilities for research and exchange of skills and knowledge would contribute, in the longer term, to a more networked, a more efficient and a more productive university system, he said.

Mr Ansari said it would also promote better interaction and movement between academia and industry.

The proposed Herbal Garden at the centre will be named after Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal, a world renowned ethno-botanist from Kannur district.

NNN