Dr. R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, remarked that the higher education sector is successfully living up to the responsibilities entrusted by society. She further underscored the government’s commitment to advancing research with a focus on improving quality.
The Minister was inaugurating the Small Animal House, established under the Inter-University Centre for Biomedical Research and Super Specialty Hospital of Mahatma Gandhi University at Thalappady.

She noted that the second Pinarayi Vijayan government has accorded top priority to higher education, highlighting that universities and colleges also have a responsibility to address issues beyond the campus. The new centre, she said, stands as a model in this regard.

Referring to the rising incidence of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis and the alarming discovery of pathogens even in freshwater, Dr. Bindu observed that the decision to set up a testing centre under MGU is highly commendable. She assured that such centres would receive continuous government support and would not be hindered by financial constraints. The Minister also revealed that consideration is being given to elevate IUCBR as one of the 30 Knowledge Consortium Centres proposed in the state budget.

Dr. Radhakrishnan E.K., Director of IUCBR, who has been featured in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list, was also felicitated by the Minister.

Presiding over the event, MG University Vice-Chancellor Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar remarked that inter-university centres are invaluable public assets and expressed confidence that the Small Animal House will become the backbone of biomedical research.

Syndicate members Dr. A.S. Sumesh, Dr. Seno Jose, Mr. Harikrishnan P., Adv. P.B. Satheesh Kumar, Registrar Dr. Bismi Gopalakrishnan, and Director of Research Dr. Jayachandran K. also addressed the gathering.