Manipal: An inaugural ceremony of the first batch of M. Sc (by Research) in Biotherapeutics was organized on August 02, 2022 at Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research (MCBR), which was followed by an orientation week. The orientation programme is envisaged to help students transition into their new academic environment and acquire skill sets required for the fast-growing Pharma and Biopharma industries.

Inaugurating the Master’s program at MCBR, Lt General (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor MAHE said “I am overwhelmed to inaugurate the new program, M. Sc (by Research) in Biotherapeutics, for the first time in India. We extend a warm welcome to our first batch of students who have opted to pursue M. Sc in Biotherapeutics. I want to assure students and parents that research has always been an area of paramount importance at MAHE. As you may be aware MAHE has secured the prestigious status of “Institution of Eminence”, holds NAAC A++ grading and holds the seventh position in NIRF ranking. In order to retain this spot, we need to be on the path of continual improvement in terms of imparting quality education and carrying out cutting-edge research. When it comes to research, we need to enhance innovative research keeping in mind what society needs today and tomorrow. To achieve this, collaboration between Academia and Industry is a must. It is important to note that the students of M Sc Biotherapeutics will get an opportunity to work with industries for their internship. Upon completion of the master’s degree, students may take up career in industry, academia or become entrepreneurs.

Dr Raviraja N S, Professor and Coordinator, MCBR said “M.Sc (by Research) in Biotherapeutics offered by MCBR is a unique and first ever such program offered in the country. It is a research-based translational post-graduate program which imparts students with contemporaneous knowledge in theory and the practical uses of relevant tools and techniques. The course curriculum involves one-semester classroom training coupled with practical’s and three-semester extensive research training where learning will be practice oriented in the areas of biotherapeutics. It is a job ready course as the students will have hands on experience in the industries”. MCBR is already collaborating with a few companies on translational research, he added.

The other speakers who will address the students during the orientation week are Vinod V Thomas (Registrar Evaluation, MAHE), Dr Geetha Maiya (Director Student Affairs, MAHE), Dr Mohammad Zuber (Chief Operating Officer, MAHE), Dr. Y Shrihari Upadhyaya (Chief Executive Officer, MUTBI), Dr Manesh Thomas (CEO, Manipal-GOK Bioincubator) and Dr Satish Rao (Director Research, MAHE).

VC Speech 11zon The program began with Invocation by PhD Scholars of MCBR. The event was marked by the welcome speech presented by Dr Manjunatha SM, Assistant Professor, MCBR. Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr Souvik Dey, Assistant Professor, MCBR. Mrunmayi Gadre anchored the inaugural function. Dr Raghavendra Upadhya, the MSc course coordinator, organized the program.