From the Hon.Director's Desk
Welcome to the Inter-University Centre for Genomics and Gene Technology!
As the Hon. Director of this esteemed institution, it gives me immense pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all our visitors, researchers, students, and collaborators. Our center is committed to pushing the boundaries of genomic research and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and scientific excellence. At IU-CGGT, we believe that genomics holds the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of life's fundamental processes. Our dedicated team of researchers are driven by a shared passion for discovery and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Together, we are exploring the complexities of the genome, unravelling genetic mysteries, and seeking breakthroughs that will revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and beyond.
Our mission goes beyond conducting cutting-edge research. We are equally committed to nurturing the next generation of genomic researchers and cultivating a diverse community of scholars. Through our educational programs, workshops, conferences, lecture series, project dissertation works and training initiatives, we aim to empower young minds with the skills and knowledge required to address the challenges of tomorrow. Collaboration lies at the core of our ethos. We actively seek partnerships with other departments of University of Kerala, other Universities, research institutions, industries, start-ups, and governmental bodies to drive transformative genomic advancements. Together, we aim to translate our discoveries into real-world applications that the well-being of the benefit society.
As we embark on this exciting journey of scientific exploration, we remain cognizant of the responsibility we carry. Ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency are the cornerstones of our research practices. We are committed to upholding the highest standards in all our endeavors, ensuring that our work contributes positively to humanity and the environment. I am incredibly proud of the passion, dedication, and hard work displayed by every member of IU-CGGT. Our success is a testament to their unwavering commitment to advancing genomic research and making a lasting impact on the world.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Vice Chancellor (University of Kerala), department of Higher Education (government of Kerala), Members syndicate (University of Kerala), our former Directors, members of Executive Committee (IU-CGGT), members of Technical Committee (IU-CGGT), supporters, partners, and collaborators for their unwavering belief in our mission. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of genomic research, opening new doors to knowledge and possibilities.
Thank you for visiting our website. I invite you to explore our research, programs, and initiatives. If you share our passion for genomics and wish to collaborate or contribute to our cause, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Dr. R.Rajalakshmi
Dr. R. Rajalakshmi assumed office as the Honorary Director of IU-CGGT in April 2021. She has approximately 16 years of teaching experience and currently holds the position of an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Kerala. She earned her doctorate in Botany from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, in 2001. Under her supervision, five students have been awarded Doctoral Degrees, and she is currently guiding four scholars pursuing their PhD programs.
Dr. Rajalakshmi has an impressive record of publishing over 51 research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including studies on germinability and seed invigoration techniques of underutilized plants, phytochemical studies of fruits and leafy vegetables, isolation of bioactive compounds for use in the field of herbal medicine (diabetes), investigations on essential oil isolation and bioactivity studies (larvicidal, phyto viral, allelopathy, weedicide, etc.), exploration of allelopathy and its beneficial utilization, biosystematics study, and taxonomic identification of medicinal plants, stress physiology of vegetable crops, karyo-morphometrical analysis of higher plants, and genetic diversity analysis of medicinal as well as crop plants, and ethnobotany. Her major research activities have received support from NMPB, SMPB, and other funding agencies.
Beyond her research endeavours, Dr. Rajalakshmi is described as a passionate teacher, a dedicated researcher, a patient listener, and a good leader.
Memberships
Member, Board Studies, (Botany–Pass), University of Kerala.
Member, Board Studies, (Home science), University of Kerala.
Member, University level committee for collection and compilation of data and for the submission of application for Chancellors award.
Member, University level committee for collection and compilation of data for Quarterly Performance Report (QPR).
Life Member of Indian Botanical Society
Life Member of All India Congress of Cytology and Genetics
Life Member of Indian Society of Plant Genetics Resources
Life Member of Kerala Academy of Sciences
Life Member of Society of Ethnobotanist, Kerala Chapter