RGCB - Rajiv Gandhi Centre For Biotechnology

www.rgcb.res.in

Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology is the only institution of its kind within the country, exclusively devoted to Biotechnology, focusing precisely on translational research. All RGCB research programs are created with the underlying concept of “bench to bedside” and “lab to land” seeking to promote better health care and improved productivity of spices and medicical plants. The institute has 6 highly focused research departments working on medical biotechnology and plant genetic engineering (Molecular Medicine, Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction, Molecular Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology and Plant Molecular Biology). The institute has major interdisciplinary consortium research programs on vaccine development, bioinformatics and bioprospecting for clinically bioactive compounds. A Program of Excellence in Translational Research (PETR) in collaboration with the Regional Cancer Center allows RGCB to carry out leading translational cancer research. True to it’s commitment to translating biotechnology for economic development, RGCB has started strong industrial collaboration and offers incubator facilities for start up biotech companies. RGCB has also not forgotten its social commitments to the State and provides critical services for the community.

The Center has a Regional Facility for Genetic Fingerprinting, which provides DNA analysis services for forensic & criminal investigations, paternity disputes, identification of wildlife remains, authentication of plants and seeds besides a battery of molecular diagnostics for genetic and infectious diseases. RGCB is also a major provider of laboratory and infrastructure services to other academic and research institutions. A small efficient administration runs the affairs of the center with gracious management from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment. The institute is a major stakeholder in human resource development having one of the best doctoral programs in Biotechnology. Admissions to PhD programs take place twice every year in July and December with students being selected from those with National Research Fellowships.

Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute

www.tbgri.in

Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (TBGRI) is an autonomous Institute established by the Government of Kerala on 17^th November 1979 and registered on 23^rd November 1979 under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. It functions under the umbrella of the Science, Technology and Environment Department, Government of Kerala.

Kerala Forest Research Institute

www.kfri.org

The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is established under the Science and Technology Policy adopted by the Government of Kerala as an autonomous institution to undertake research in areas like forestry, biodiversity etc., that are vital to the development of the Kerala State. The Institute was registered as a society on 3rd July 1975 under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, 1955. The institution fulfills a number of economic, social and environmental objectives set by the Government. In the year 2002 KFRI amalgamated with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) along with five other R&D Centres in Kerala. Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) is a registered society and an autonomous body under the Science, Technology & Environment Department, Government of Kerala.

KFRI is strategically located in the midst of a tropical forest at Peechi about 20km East of Thrissur, in Central Kerala, India. The main campus extends over an area of 28 ha., part of the picturesque reserve forest of the Peechi Forest Range. The Institute has two sub-Centres- one at Nilambur in North Kerala and the other at Velupadam, Palapilly in Thrissur District to conduct nursery and plantation trials and other specialised research.

MNHS - Malabar Natural History Society

http://www.malabarnhs.org/

Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, voluntary organisation (registered (No. 929/02) under Indian Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860) dedicated to Nature education, research and conservation of biodiversity. It is based at Calicut and is very active since its inception five years back. As part of its Nature Education and Research Programme, it has published five books; Butterflies of Kerala- a photo field guide (in Malayalam), Nature: Observation and Interpretation (in Malayalam) and Bryophytes of Wayanad in Western Ghats.