Md Towsif-ur-Rahman,JnU Correspondent: Last Sunday, 18th April, Jagannath University received 2 PCR machines and research equipment worth three crore taka. According to University sources, the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Jagannath University received the Instrumental Access Award 2020 as the only university in Asia. Jagannath University has received this award for the first time from Bangladesh. The award was announced in a press release published on the website of Seeding Lab on May 26 last year. The program provides low-cost, high-quality scientific equipment for education and research to young scientists at universities in lower and middle-class countries.

Head of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Dilara Islam Sharif said in this regard, “Last year, a total of 16 universities from 10 countries around the world won the award. We received the award as the first university in Bangladesh. The research tools that we have received will enable us to create a high quality lab which is very important for biotechnological research. These equipments include 2 PCR machines, laminar flow, minus 20 degree refrigerator and about 94 advanced research equipments.”

He added “We may not be able to make corona tests now because of the lack of adequate management opportunities at the time of the current corona epidemic. But by identifying new strains, it will be possible to discover a vaccine or provide guidance on how to prevent it which we think will be more serious issue than the Corona Test. If we can set up a advanced lab with these advanced equipment in the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Jagannath University, we have the potential to reach widespread locations in the future. We will be able to set an example of new vaccine discovery and analytical work in front of the developed world. ”

Note that this award is given by a non-governmental organization called Seeding Lab of America. The aim is to encourage young scientists in lower middle class countries to discover and research something new. It is learned that through this award, research equipment will be provided to 16 departments of 16 universities in 10 countries of the world. In addition, those who are nominated will have the opportunity to come in contact with other scientists in the global seeding lab.