Berhampur University has taken a significant step toward advancing marine biotechnology research in Odisha after receiving a substantial grant of approximately Rs 3.67 crore from the state government. This funding marks the first installment for the university's participation in the ambitious Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) initiative.
Major Boost for Marine Research
The university received the grant allocation on Friday from the state's science and technology department, according to Geetanjali Dash, Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University. The funding comes shortly after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially launched the OMBRIC project on August 13.
This groundbreaking five-year project carries a total budget of Rs 50 crore and represents a strategic effort to position Odisha as a global leader in marine biotechnology and blue economy development. State officials believe OMBRIC has tremendous potential to drive entrepreneurship, scientific research, environmental protection, science-based tourism, employment generation, and livelihood support for coastal communities.
Collaborative Research Network
To ensure focused and high-impact implementation, the state government has selected six institutions as OMBRIC hubs based on their scientific expertise and regional significance. Berhampur University stands among this distinguished group of collaborating institutions that includes:
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur
- Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela
- FM University, Balasore
Under this initiative, Berhampur University will establish a specialized 'Centre for Odisha Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology Innovation' according to Mrutyunjay Jena, project coordinator and associate professor in the department of botany.
Pioneering Marine Exploration
Describing OMBRIC as the first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Jena explained that the project aims to explore and harness the biodiversity and biotechnological potential of marine organisms found along Odisha's extensive 574-kilometer coastline.
The research will focus on various marine species including cyanobacteria, microalgae, seaweeds, fish, isopods, and amphipods. Other lead scientists driving this research at Berhampur University include Jaya Kishor Seth and Shesdev Patro, assistant professors in the departments of zoology and marine sciences respectively.
This comprehensive research initiative represents a significant commitment to developing Odisha's blue economy while simultaneously addressing environmental conservation and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal populations.
