PES University Hosts Inter‑Institutional Multidisciplinary Research Workshop 2025

The Department of Biotechnology at PES University successfully organized the Inter‑Institutional Multidisciplinary Research Workshop 2025 on December 13, 2025, in collaboration with the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) and the Karnataka Association for Advancement of Science (KAAS).
The event brought together eminent scientists, academic leaders, research coordinators, and young scholars to strengthen cutting‑edge research initiatives across institutions.

A Gathering of Distinguished Minds
The workshop began with a traditional invocation, followed by a warm welcome by Dr. B.S. Srikanta, Secretary of KAAS.
The event was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including:
Padmabhushan Dr. P. Balaram, Former Director, IISc & Senior Visiting Professor, NCBS

Dr. K. Siddappa, Former Vice Chancellor, Bangalore University & President, KAAS
Prof. D. Jawahar, Chancellor, PES University
Dr. J. Suryaprasad, Vice Chancellor, PES University
Dr. Satyaprakash Pandey, Senior Scientist, TIGS
Dr. K.S. Sridhar, Registrar, PES University
Dr. J. Manikandan, Dean of Research, PES University
Dr. Reshma S. V., Chairperson, Department of Biotechnology, PES University

Their presence emphasized the importance of collaborative research in shaping the future of science and technology.

Spotlight on Research Progress
Dr. Reshma S.V. presented an overview of the department’s ongoing research work, highlighting an impressive milestone — over 29 peer‑reviewed publications within a single year.
The initial session of the workshop focused on reviewing and refining R&D proposals submitted by Principal Investigators, with an expert panel providing insightful feedback.
The panel included:

Dr. Umesh (University of Mysore)
Dr. Mahesh (Bangalore University)
Dr. A.B. Vedamurthy (Karnataka University, Dharwad)
Dr. Satyaprakash Pandey (TIGS)

Their inputs were crucial in elevating the scientific impact and clarity of each project.

Keynote & Leadership Insights
The keynote address by Dr. P. Balaram explored the evolution of biotechnology—from foundational processes to today’s advanced technologies shaping modern research.
Further, university leadership shared valuable perspectives:

Prof. D. Jawahar emphasized building high‑quality research ecosystems that yield impactful publications and deployable technologies.
Dr. Satyaprakash Pandey discussed TIGS’ research thrust areas and collaborative models that contribute to societal advancement.
Dr. J. Suryaprasad underlined the importance of research workshops in empowering faculty, scholars, and students to develop technology‑driven products.
Dr. K. Siddappa encouraged deeper inter‑institutional collaboration and shared facility usage to develop strong funding‑ready R&D proposals.

Project Presentations: Innovation in Action
The second half of the workshop showcased innovative project proposals from various institutions:

Dr. M.S. Dinesh, PES University
- Development of Probiotic Vermiwash for enhancing antidiabetic properties in Stevia rebaudiana
- Scale-up of nanobiopharmaceutical production from Eudrilus eugeniae via bioreactor engineering
Dr. Manjunath N.S., BIET Davanagere
- Creating paper and byproducts from Arecanut shell fibre waste
Prof. Shruthi S. R., BIET Davanagere
- S.M.A.R.T portable preservation system
Dr. Divijendranatha Reddy, BMS College of Engineering
- “Memo 1” as a biomarker and therapeutic target for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Analyzing human hypothetical genes in breast cancer for diagnostic and therapeutic potential

These presentations demonstrated the cross‑disciplinary scope of the workshop, ranging from bioprocess engineering and sustainability to cutting‑edge cancer genomics.

Outcome: A Collective Commitment to Research Excellence
Research coordinators and PhD scholars from PES University actively participated, gaining deeper insights into planning, structuring, and writing competitive grant proposals.
The workshop concluded with a resolution to integrate expert suggestions into the respective projects and communicate them to funding agencies.

This collaborative initiative signifies PES University’s ongoing commitment to nurturing impactful scientific research and strengthening connections between academia, research institutions, and society.