Pantnagar, Uttarakhand: In a significant step towards strengthening biotechnology education, research, and innovation in Uttarakhand, Sardar Bhagwan Singh (SBS) University, Dehradun, and the Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology (UCB), Pantnagar, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday at the UCB Auditorium, Pantnagar.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, UCB, and Prof. (Dr.) J. Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SBS University, with the primary objective of promoting biotechnology education, research, and innovation across the state.

Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate in the exchange of faculty and students, undertake joint research projects, provide shared access to advanced research facilities, and co-organize training programmes, workshops, and seminars.

Established originally as the State Biotechnology Programme (SBP) in February 2003, UCB was restructured and renamed the Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology in 2014. It currently functions under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttarakhand. As the state's apex biotechnology institution, UCB has consistently promoted research, development, and extension activities aligned with Uttarakhand's specific needs. Its specialized facilities include Plant Tissue Culture, Environmental Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Advanced Bioinformatics, and Hydroponic and Soilless Farming.

Through this collaboration, students of SBS University will gain direct access to UCB's advanced laboratory infrastructure, enabling hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research in areas such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental biotechnology. Students will also have opportunities to participate in ongoing R&D projects, short-term dissertation programmes, biotechnology awareness initiatives, and skill-development training programmes, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and practical scientific application.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) J. Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SBS University, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern research. He noted that AI has significantly enhanced the scope, efficiency, and precision of research activities and emphasized the importance of developing innovative thinking and practical problem-solving skills among young scholars.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director of UCB, described biotechnology as a frontier discipline and expressed confidence that the partnership would create new opportunities for students while fostering a stronger research culture in the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by UCB scientists Dr. Mahindra Mohan Sharma and Dr. Sumit Purohit, along with R.P. Jugran and Vipin Jain from SBS University.

This MoU further strengthens SBS University's growing network of academic and industry collaborations, which includes partnerships with Himalaya Drug Company for drug development research and MAX Healthcare. These collaborations reflect the university's continued commitment to connecting academic education with industry requirements and real-world applications.

About SBS University

Established in 1994, Sardar Bhagwan Singh (SBS) University, Dehradun, is a pioneering institution and the first of its kind in North India to offer quality biomedical and pharmaceutical education. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), State Pharmacy Council (SPC), and the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), the university has evolved into a comprehensive multidisciplinary institution over the past three decades.

The university comprises seven schools:

  • School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology
  • School of Physiotherapy & Allied Health Sciences
  • School of Life Sciences
  • School of Management
  • School of Agricultural Sciences
  • School of Applied Chemistry & Basic Sciences
  • School of Computer Science

With a modern campus, dedicated research facilities, experienced faculty members, and a consistent annual placement record exceeding 90%, SBS University continues to produce industry-ready graduates who are highly sought after by leading employers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors, both in India and internationally.