An enriching session on Biotechnology was held in Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School. The topic of the session was Genes, Vaccines and Innovation: A World of Biotech Careers. The honourable guest speakers were Professor Vivek Tanavde and Ms. Vanisha Gopalini.
Dr. Vivek Tanavde, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Sciences at Ahmedabad University is also the Advisory Board Member of Venture Studio, Ahmedabad University, Bhavans Research Centre, Bhavans College, Mumbai, iBioAnlaysis Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad.
Professor Tanavade highlighted how stem cell research explores the potential of stem cells to treat diseases, understand human biology, and develop new therapies. Stem cell research has numerous applications in medicine and biology. He also shed light on the new found possibility of creating stem cell from mere skin cells and the new doors it has opened.
CRISPR technology of gene editing came up next. Professor Tanavade pointed out that it is a powerful technology that enables exact changes to be made to the DNA sequences of living organisms. As CRISPR enables targeting specific DNA, it is seen as an important gateway to genetic research. CRISPR has important ramifications for medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. It has already been used for improving crop yield and healthcare. Scientists are hopeful that in days to come, with the use of CRISPR technology genetic disorders like sickle cell anaemia and haemophilia will be obliterated.
Moving on to vaccines, Professor Tanavade pointed to innovative research in creating new vaccines. DNA vaccine is a type of that attacks a specific DNA sequence in the cells of an organism as a mechanism to induce an immune response. With this, he launched into programs offered in biotechnology by the Ahmedabad University that can lead to different job roles in the biotech industry. Students can be a part of research projects and hence the scope of their employment.
It follows naturally that different new career opportunities are gaining prominence within Biotechnology. The biotechnology sector in India offers diverse career opportunities, with roles ranging from research and development to quality control and regulatory affairs in companies and institutions, and the industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming year.
Vanisha Gopaline spoke of the diverse initiatives of Ahmedabad University and indicated that students can try to be a part of these initiatives. As for instance, she highlighted the theme of the Summer Camp as Climate Change and its Impact. Links in the university website directly helps students to register and be a part of such programmes aimed at creating awareness for the environment. As students standing at the threshold of important academic and career choices, their insights have encouraged to look beyond traditional paths and consider the possibilities that lie in scientific inquiry and innovation.
It was an enlightening session and students were left with an enriching experience.
