A pathbreaking facility dedicated to fostering experiential learning and interdisciplinary research in biosciences.
India, August 9, 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."
About Anthem BioSciences Private Limited:
Anthem Biosciences Private Limited (“Anthem”) is a Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) offering early-stage drug discovery services encompassing medicinal chemistry, process chemistry, custom synthesis, discovery research and analytical R&D, biologicals, enzymes and probiotics manufacturing. It is India’s fastest growing CDMO, having established its credentials as a researcher and manufacturer of both chemistry-based small molecule therapeutics and fermentation-based biopharmaceuticals. Founded by Mr. Ajay Bhardwaj, Dr. Ganesh Sambasivam and Mr. K C Ravindra in 2006, Anthem has rapidly become a globally respected name in a rarefied field with few peers worldwide. The company’s R&D and manufacturing facilities are located near Bengaluru and have been successfully inspected by USFDA, DCGI, PMDA (Japan), EDQM, ANVISA, TGA etc. Anthem has become a trusted partner of choice for both new age Biotechnology Companies as well as Global Big Pharma Customers. More details on Anthem can be seen here: www.anthembio.com
About Plaksha University:
Founded by a global community of more than 100 technology and business leaders, Plaksha envisions reimagining technology education and research for India and the world. With strong partnerships with UC Berkeley, Purdue, UC San Diego, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bangalore, Plaksha aims to nurture and empower a generation of catalytic leaders and create an ecosystem of research and innovation. The university collapses the traditional boundaries of engineering and promotes interdisciplinary learning by combining technology, design and entrepreneurship.
Plaksha is guided by an eminent academic board including Dr. Vijay Kumar, Nemirovsky Family Dean of Penn Engineering, University of Pennsylvania; Venkatesh Narayanamurthi, former Dean of Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Sriram Rajamani, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India; Julia Ross, Dean of Engineering, Virginia Tech; Krishna Palepu, Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; Sanjay Sarma, Fred Fort Flowers and Daniel Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, MIT; and business leaders such as Neeraj Aggarwal, Chairman – Asia Pacific, BCG; Hitesh Oberoi, Co-promoter & CEO, Info Edge (Naukri.com); Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder, Fractal Analytics; Manas Fuloria, Co- Founder, Nagarro; Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises; Navin Chaddha, Managing Director, Mayfield Fund; Sujeet Kumar, Co-founder, Udaan.com; Dalip Pathak, Special Limited Partner, Warburg Pincus LLC; CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra; Pramod Bhasin, Chairman, Clix Capital among others. Corporate donors include companies like Bharti Foundation, Havells, HT Parekh Foundation, Mphasis, Axis Bank and Motilal Oswal. The global community of business leaders who founded Plaksha can be seen here.
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