Transforming ideas into products

Association with several world-class laboratories allows students to benefit from the scientific knowledge and exchange programs

Established in 2007 as a constituent of KIIT University, school of biotechnology (KSBT) was first in Orissa to have integrated academic and research programs. With its foundation stone laid by Professor Richard R Ernst (Nobel Laureate in the field of NMR, 1991), KSBT heralds a new era of science with a broad vision in the state of Orissa. The school offers BTech, MSc and PhD courses in biotechnology.

Out of 1,137 applications received by the school in the academic year 2011-12, 60 students were granted admission to MSc biotechnology course. KSBT boasts of ultramodern laboratory facilities. Apart from having a well equipped bioinformatics lab, all the students at the department are provided a free laptop. The school so far has published six biotechnology related research papers in the national journals and 26 research papers in the international journals.

The school hosts one international conference, one national conference and 5-6 workshops every year. The school has tie-ups with 13 international laboratories and 11 national biotech industries. In future, the school is aiming to establish the center for translational research and center for interdisciplinary science and material sciences.

According to the school, the students are given hands-on experience on various modern tools, important for biotechnology sector. Interestingly, the department has created a research and development hub by integrating researchers, technology business incubator (established with biotech focus, supported by NSTEDB, DST), technology commercialization facilitating agency (TCFA), supported by TIFAC, DST, and innovation center, promoted by the KIIT university.

Currently, 11 innovative ideas in the school are under incubation and two of them have already been commercialized. The school organizes several workshops, training programs and international conferences. The school has also started international collaborative work to explore and understand the hidden scientific treasure of Chilika lake (largest brackish water lagoon).

Fact file | Name of the Department: School of Biotechnology
Courses: MSc & PhD in Biotechnology
Director: Prof Mrutyunjay Suar
Website: www.kiitbiotech.ac.in

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"This is the only school of biotech where the students and faculties visit various reputed international laboratories for a period of one month to one year, supported by host institute fellowship programs."

Prof Mrutyunjay Suar professor and head, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University

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