The Centre of Excellence in Life Sciences (CoELS), comprising the Departments of Botany, Zoology, and Biotechnology, was established to provide a collaborative platform for education, research, and innovation in life sciences. Its primary aim is to transform life sciences into a technology-driven field that addresses pressing societal and national challenges in health, sustainability, and the bioeconomy. The Centre nurtures students, researchers, and professionals by offering advanced training, research opportunities, and global exposure, with a strong focus on empowering women in science.
Innovation
- Integrated centre to combine classical life sciences with modern domains such as AI, ML, and biotechnology.
- Introduction of unique certificate courses such as Venoms and Poisons (in collaboration with the University of Reading, UK) and AI & ML in Bioinformatics (with biotech parks and industry partners).
- Flagship conferences like the DBT-CTEP sponsored Two-day International Conclave on Antimicrobial Resistance, DST-SERB sponsored Two-day International Conclave on One Health, and the TNSCST sponsored Two-day National Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics, and Biofortification.
- Creative outreach methods including mime shows, face painting competitions, and awareness programs for school students.
- Supported by flagship programmes like the DBT-BIRAC GRG E-YUVA Centre and DBT BUILDER Scheme, enhancing interdisciplinary research, patents, and publications.
Implementation
- Conducted a range of events including awareness programmes, competitions, and seminars for school and college students.
- Organized international and national conferences with academic, medical, and industry partners, engaging more than 800 participants in 2024–25.
- Delivered certificate courses in niche areas, bringing in global and national experts.
- Fostered collaborations with Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technological Sciences, Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, Rajas Dental College, and biotech parks in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kerala.
- Promoted career-oriented training such as medical coding seminars and interdisciplinary opportunities.
Impact
- Reached 900+ participants through conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Created widespread awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance and the concept of One Health among school students and the rural community.
- Equipped students with advanced skills in venom pharmacology, bioinformatics, and AI-driven life sciences.
- Strengthened international linkages, including with the University of Reading, UK, and regional biotech parks.
- Promoted women’s participation in science and research-driven careers.
- Contributed to public awareness on issues such as One Health, environmental sustainability, and biosafety.
Scalability
- Plans to expand training into new frontiers such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, hydroponics, synthetic biology, and bio-entrepreneurship.
- Upcoming events include BIO-PILS 2025, national workshops on insect taxonomy, biosafety, and scientific illustration.
- Community outreach to focus on antimicrobial resistance, waste management, and ethics in science.
- Long-term sustainability assured through DBT, DST, institutional commitment, innovation hubs and alumni-industry networks.