ABOUT The Department
The Biotechnology Department at St. Edmund's College, Shillong was established in 2006. The department has made significant progress and achieved several milestones since its inception.
In 2008, the department received recognition as a DBT STAR (Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India) College, which signifies its excellence in biotechnology education and research. This recognition further boosted the department's reputation and attracted talented students and faculty members.
In 2009, a Bioinformatics center (Funded by DBT, Govt. of India) was established within the department. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and information technology to analyze and interpret biological data. The addition of a bioinformatics center enhanced the department's research capabilities and provided advanced computational tools for data analysis.
In 2011, the department established a Biotech Hub, which served as a center for research and development activities in various areas of biotechnology. The Biotech Hub facilitated collaborative research projects, technology transfer, and innovation in the field of biotechnology. This project was further extended from 2015 to 2019 as Advanced Institutional Biotech Hub and was further extended in 2022 to continue for fostering the needs of undergraduate students.
In 2015, the department was awarded the prestigious DBT STAR Status. This recognition signifies the department's consistent contribution to research and development in biotechnology. The DBT STAR Status further strengthened the department's position as a leading institution for biotechnology education and research in the region.
Over the years, the Biotechnology Department at St. Edmund's College has undertaken various research and development projects. These projects have contributed to advancements in areas such as agricultural biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology.
The department has also actively published its research findings in both national and international journals. With 30 publications in such journals, the department has made significant contributions to the scientific community and shared its knowledge with researchers worldwide.
Furthermore, the department has been actively involved in presenting research findings at conferences, both national and international. With 35 conference presentations, the faculty and students have had the opportunity to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and collaborate with researchers from different parts of the world.
The Biotechnology Department at St. Edmund's College boasts well-equipped laboratories that provide state-of-the-art facilities for conducting research and practical training. The availability of advanced equipment and instruments enables students and faculty to carry out experiments and explore various aspects of biotechnology.
The department has also established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with reputed organizations in the field of biotechnology. These MOUs facilitate collaboration, exchange programs, and joint research projects, providing valuable exposure and opportunities for both faculty and students.
In addition to collaborations with organizations, the department has also established partnerships with research institutes and universities. These collaborations promote interdisciplinary research and create a platform for sharing knowledge and resources.
In 2020, the department made a significant achievement by becoming the first research group from India to execute and analyze the Whole Genome Sequence of Anabaena YBS001, which was added to the gene bank.
To facilitate high-end research, the department has developed an Advanced Biotechnology research laboratory, which includes facilities such as GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection). The department encourages undergraduate students to engage in research activities and provides support for their publications. It also offers summer training programs in various research institutes and universities to enhance the students' skills.
In addition to research and training activities, the department has conducted 9 National Level Workshops, 55 capacity building programs, 15 in-house programs for students and faculty, and 3 Skill development programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of all stakeholders in the department.
The department's strong alumni network is a testament to its success. The well-connected alumni have gone on to excel in their respective fields and contribute to the biotechnology sector. Their achievements reflect the quality of education and training provided by the department.
Overall, the Biotechnology Department at St. Edmund's College, Shillong has made significant strides since its establishment in 2006. Through its dedicated faculty, well-equipped laboratories, research projects, publications, conference presentations, collaborations, and alumni network, the department has emerged as a leading institution in the field of biotechnology in the region.
