Plaksha University inaugurates Anthem BioSciences Nature’s Machines Lab, to impact 1500+ students in the next 5 years

By India Education Diary Bureau Admin Last updated Aug 10, 2024

Plaksha University, a technology university reimagining higher education and research in India, today announced the inauguration of the Anthem BioSciences Nature’s Machines Lab, a pathbreaking facility dedicated to fostering experiential learning and interdisciplinary research in biosciences. This lab, sponsored by Anthem BioSciences, is all set to make a significant impact on over 1,500 students in the next five years.

Part of the Havells Research Building at the Mohali campus, the Nature’s Machines Lab spans approximately 1,500 square feet and is designed to connect students with the intricate machinery of the natural world. The lab aims to promote ecological awareness and the application of biological concepts through modern tools, advanced research techniques, and interdisciplinary thinking.

This research lab is a hub for engaging neighboring communities, high school educators, and other stakeholders in developing biological literacy and stewardship.

Nature’s Machines Lab will be equipped for following training and research activities:

Cell biology: Students will learn basic and advanced microscopic techniques that will allow them to study cells and their behavior.
Nanobiology: Students will learn to isolate, express-purify and analyze biomolecules – molecular machines – from various sources, which will enable them to study, characterize and understand the biological world at the nano scale.
Genetic Engineering: Students will learn to edit genes in bacteria and insect cells using conventional and CRISPR based techniques enabling them to design and produce cells with novel functionalities.
Environmental Monitoring: Students will analyze water and soil samples to assess environmental health, detect pollutants and develop measures to mitigate environmental risks at local and global level.
UG Research Projects: Students can innovate and engineer interdisciplinary solutions for challenges related to human and planetary health through their internship and capstone projects.

Prof. Rudra Pratap, Founding Vice Chancellor, Plaksha University, said, “This collaboration with Anthem Biosciences is a significant step forward in our mission to provide students with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences. By facilitating interactive learning and outreach, the lab aims to augment the interest of Plaksha undergraduates and of high school students from regional schools in biosciences and bioengineering. We believe this lab will inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders who will power on with sustainable solutions for the future.”

Commenting on the inauguration of the Lab, Dr. Ganesh Sambasivam, Co-founder and CSO, Anthem BioSciences, said, “This industry-academia collaboration is focused on developing a cutting-edge curriculum for the BTech program in Biological Systems Engineering. Through this partnership with Plaksha University, we aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by integrating industry practitioners and academics, providing experiential learning to students. With this infrastructure development at the university and the provision of scholarships, we are dedicated to enhancing educational accessibility and fostering the next generation of innovators and bioscientists.”