University of Jammu, Jammu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, Telangana under the auspices of the Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu. The purpose of the MoU was to implement various collaborative activities, in areas of mutual interest, which would address multidisciplinary scientific research, technological research, and educational issues of due relevance at the national level. The program was held online from the Office chamber of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu.

On the occasion, Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Vice-Chancellor University of Jammu opined that this MoU shall usher a new era of collaborations in research and academics of both the institutes. Prof. Dhar said that the University of Jammu ever since its inception has been consistently moving ahead in academic and co-curricular activities. It has grown and developed as one of India’s prestigious Universities with its commitment and focus on its core functions of teaching, research, publication, examination, and extension. Dr. K Thangaraj, Director Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad expressed his gratitude and ensured his support in the field of research and diagnosis. University offers around seventy postgraduate and undergraduate courses in different faculties and the research programmes range across many disciplines, imparting PhD in 37 and M.Phil. in 26 disciplines, said Prof Dhar. He further added that the goal of this MoU is to foster collaboration, provide opportunities for global experience, and facilitate the advancement of knowledge on the basis of reciprocity between CDFD and different Departments of life sciences faculty.

The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) Hyderabad is a premier autonomous research Institute funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India with a mandate to provide services and to undertake research in the areas of DNA Fingerprinting, diagnostics and other areas of modern biology. CDFD’s Diagnostic division offers a comprehensive diagnosis of genetic diseases (cytogenetic, biochemical, and molecular) as also prenatal diagnosis for detection of chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene disorders, and inborn errors of metabolism, besides providing genetic diagnostic services, carrying out research work on molecular pathophysiology and mapping of genetic disorders

It is pertinent to mention here that the Institute of Human Genetics in the University of Jammu is the pioneer center involved in the research and diagnosis of human genetic disorders in the UT of J&K.The Institute is also involved in collaboration with J&K Health Department and Govt. Medical College, Jammu in providing diagnoses for unknown Genetics Disorders in J&K UT like Skeletal Deformities(Arai village, Poonch) and Hearing Impairment (Pralkot village, Poonch). The institute possesses state-of-the-art infrastructure including the National Genomics Core facility which has been established by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India to provide high-end genomic solutions and as a full-service provider for the research needs of academic institutes and industry. The activities of both parties are in several ways complementary to each other. It was therefore felt that initiating joint collaborative research programs and training would be of considerable mutual interest & benefit.  Prof. Seema Langer, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, Head Department of Zoology and Coordinator, Institute of Human Genetics formally welcomed the gathering.

Among others Prof. Arvind Jasrotia (Registrar), Prof. B.K. Bajaj, Director School of Biotechnology, Prof. Namrata Sharma, Department of Botany, Prof. Piyush Malviya, Head Department of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Sanjana Koul from School of Biotechnology, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Department of Zoology, Dr. Nisha Kapoor, Deputy Coordinator, Institute of Human Genetics were also present on the occasion. Dr. Parvinder Kumar Deputy coordinator, Institute of Human Genetics conducted the proceedings of the programme and presented a formal vote of thanks.