Microbiology - activities

Visit to KVK Vikasnagar

Activity Date: 17th MARCH 2023

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Amit Gupta, Dr. Divya Venugopal and Dr. Gaurav Pant

Brief Description : The MICROBIOS CLUB, in the Department of Microbiology is a student club under the guidance of faculty members organizes various events. The club organized a one-day educational tour for B.Sc. (2nd year) and M.Sc. Microbiology (1st year) students at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dehradun included demonstration and training on technological advancements in the field of agriculture. Students were introduced to the concepts and approaches of natural and organic farming focusing on the importance of beneficial microbes in agriculture.

Exploring Research and Development at TaqGene Training and Research Institute (TGTRI)

Activity Date: 6th April 2023

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Amit Gupta

Brief Description: TaqGene Training and Research Institute (TGTRI) is one of the lead laboratories involved in training and product development in the field of microbiology. Student were exposed to research and development.

Students Contributing to the Community – A Visit to Children Home

Activity Date: 27th March 2023

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Promila Sharma, Dr. Anju Rani, and Dr. Amit Gupta

Brief Description: For students to understand social responsibility and citizenship, students collected several items for the children’s home (a community home for foster children) and reached out to them.

Educational Visit to CSIR-IMTECH Chandigarh

Activity Date: 24th May 2023

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Amit Gupta and Dr. Divya Venugopal

Brief Description: A one-day educational tour for B.Sc. (6th semester students) and M.Sc. Microbiology (1st year) students to CSIR-IMTECH Chandigarh to interact with CSIR-IMTech scientists and learn about approaches used in the production and scale-up of recombinant / engineered proteins, and protein structure through X-ray crystallography.

Educational Excursion to Millet Festival

Activity Date: 10th April 2023

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Priti Krishna

Brief Description: M.Sc. Microbiology (1st year) students attended the millet festival (Shri Ann Mahotsav) at the Survey Stadium, Dehradun.

Hands-on Workshop on Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (BET)

Activity Date: 19th Feb 2024

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Anju Rani, Dr. Promila Sharma

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology hosted a hands-on workshop on Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (BET), led by experts from Charles River Laboratories, US. Participants gained valuable insights and practical experience in this critical testing method.

National Conference on Microbial Innovations and Challenges: Opportunities for Sustainability

Activity Date: 3–4 May 2024

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Divya Venugopal, Dr. Anju Rani & Faculty Members

Brief Description: Department of Microbiology organized a National Conference on “Microbial Innovations and Challenges: Oppurtunities for Sustainability (MICROS)”, emphasizing opportunities for sustainability in microbial research. This event facilitated discussions among leading scientists and faculties, highlighting cutting-edge advancements and addressing key challenges in the field.

Educational Visit to Agricultural Farm & Research Centre, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun

Activity Date: 26th July 2024

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Debasis Mitra, Dr. Shabaaz Begum, Miss Divya Gunsola

Brief Description: Department of Microbiology organized an enriching agricultural field trip to Graphic Era Hill University in Dehradun, allowing students to explore innovative farming techniques and microbial applications in agriculture. This hands-on experience enhanced their understanding of the vital role microbiology plays in sustainable agriculture.

Educational Visit and Training to Taqgene Training & Research Institute

Activity Date: 5th Aug 2024

Activity Coordinator: Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Thapliyal

Brief Description: Department of Microbiology organized an educational visit and training session at Taqgene Training & Research Institute, Dehradun for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students. This opportunity allowed students to gain hands-on experience in advanced mushroom cultivation techniques and engage with ongoing research in the field.

Community Outreach Program on Microbes-Based Agriculture Practices for Sustainable Development

Activity Date: 23rd August 2024

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Debasis Mitra, Dr. Amar Jyoti, and Miss Divya Gunsola

Brief Description: Department of Microbiology organized a one-day Community Outreach Program for local farmers and the primary objective of this community outreach program is to educate and engage local farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members on the benefits and implementation of bio fertilizers/ microbes-based agriculture practices.

International Microorganisms Day Event

Activity Date: 17th September 2024

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Shabaaz Begum & MICROBIOS CLUB

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology successfully hosted the “International Microorganisms Day” Program 2024, offering students hands-on workshops, quizzes, and interactive activities. This event celebrated the marvels of microbiology, fostering enthusiasm and collaboration among aspiring scientists.

National Conference on “Challenges in Microbiology (CIM-2025)”

Activity Date: 8–10 May 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Pankaj Gautam, Dr. Promila Sharma, Dr. Anju Rani & All Faculty Members

Brief Description: Department of Microbiology organized a National Conference on “Challenges in Microbiology (CIM-2025)”, emphasizing opportunities for sustainability in microbial research. The conference was supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) (GEU). The event was inaugurated by Professor Mohd. Zahid Ashraf, Dean, School of Life Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, who served as the Chief Guest. Eminent scientists and keynote speakers from prestigious institutions—including the University of Kerala, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), AIIMS Rishikesh, Forest Research Institute Dehradun, ICMR New Delhi, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute Cuttack, and ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research Nagpur—chaired various technical sessions throughout the conference. This event facilitated discussions among leading scientists and faculties, highlighting cutting-edge advancements and addressing key challenges in the field.

Ayurveda: Traditional Medical System of India, World’s First Healing Science

Activity Date: 22nd April 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Promila Sharma, Dr. Manisha Nanda

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology organized a seminar and workshop titled “Ayurveda: Traditional Medical System of India, World’s First Healing Science”.Ayurveda, a holistic healing system emphasizing balance between mind, body, and spirit through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies, was the central theme.

Esteemed Ayurveda experts Prof. (Dr.) Sanandan Thapliyal and Dr. Shalini Thapliyal led the sessions. Prof. Thapliyal delivered a clear and engaging lecture on the significance and sustainable relevance of Ayurveda, discussing detoxification therapies and the integration of Ayurveda into daily life. After a short break, a hands-on workshop covered the essentials of Panchkarma and included a demonstration of Leech therapy.

Department of Microbiology Collaborates with Mankind Agritech to Enhance Microbiology Education

Activity Date: 4th April 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Debasis Mitra, Dr. Anju Rani

Brief Description: Graphic Era Deemed to be University has signed an 𝐌𝐨𝐔 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 to enhance collaboration in the field of 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 through hands-on learning, research, and professional exposure.

The partnership aims to provide students with enriching experiences such as expert lectures, collaborative research projects, educational tours, seminars, student placements, and short-term professional courses. It also facilitates joint initiatives through resource and knowledge sharing.

The MoU was signed by 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡, Vice Chancellor of Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), and 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚, General Manager at Mankind Agritech, in the presence of 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐣𝐮 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐢 (HoD, Microbiology), 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚 (Coordinator), 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐛𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲, and 𝐌𝐫. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢 along with faculty members.

This collaboration opens new pathways for students to gain relevant skills and insights, aligning their academic journey with emerging trends in microbiological research and industrial practices.

Academic and Research Exchange Agreement with Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON), Mexico

Activity Date: 30th August 2024

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Debasis Mitra, Prof. Anju Rani

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India has officially signed an Academic and Research Exchange Agreement with Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON), Mexico. This landmark agreement enhanced educational and cultural exchange opportunities for students while promoting general academic linkages between the two esteemed institutions.

Collaboration Research Agreement (CRA) with the Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Activity Date: 11th November 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Debasis Mitra, Prof. Anju Rani

Brief Description: Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) proudly announces the signing of Collaboration Research Agreement (CRA) with the Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on 11th November 2025. This partnership aims to promote joint research, knowledge exchange, and innovation in microbiology, genetics, and plant experimental biology.

Guest Lecture on “Proteins, Small Molecules, and Volatiles in Plant-Microbe Interactions”

Activity Date: 12th November 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Debasis Mitra, Prof. Anju Rani

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology hosted a guest lecture on Nov 12, 2025 by Prof. Sivakumar Uthandi, Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Prof. Uthandi discussed a wide range of topics spanning from the gut microbiome and its role in health to the complex mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions, offering valuable insights into current research trends in microbiology.

MIND 2.0

Activity Date: 29th August 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Promila Sharma

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology and Department of Chemistry in collaboration with Center for Indian Knowledge System (CIKS), GEU, organized one day workshop on MIND 2.0 on 29th August, 2025, at Graphic Era Deemed to be University.

Petri Plate Art Competition

Activity Date: 7th May 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Shabaaz Begum

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology, in collaboration of GEUMUN organized Petri Plate Art competition as part of GRAFEST 2025. Students explored the intersection of science and art by designing unique visuals on Petri Plates.

International Conference on Microbial Innovations for Sustainable Development (MISD 2026)

Activity Date: 20–21 February 2026

Activity Coordinator: Prof. Anju Rani, Dr. Debasis Mitra, Dr. Saurabh Gangola

Brief Description: Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun presents the International Conference on Microbial Innovations for Sustainable Development (MISD 2026) in collaboration with Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Mexico; Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac, Serbia; Technological University, Dublin, Ireland; UDES: Universidad de Santander, Colombia; Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia; PMMITA Society and Microbiologists Society

MoU Signing with Molelixir Informatics

Activity Date: March 2026

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Divya Venugopal

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) successfully signed an MoU with Molelixir Informatics to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in life sciences and bioinformatics. The MoU was signed by Dr. Jyoti Bala, Director, Molelixir Informatics and Prof. (Dr.) Narpinder Singh, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, GEU in Dehradun. This partnership will promote joint research, internships, and skill development for students and faculty.

Guest Lecture on Bioinformatics for Antimicrobial Resistance

Activity Date: 16th February 2026

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Divya Venugopal

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) successfully organized a guest lecture on “Bioinformatics for Antimicrobial Resistance” on 16th February 2026 at Vidhan Sabha, Chanakya Block. The session was delivered by Dr. Dhirendra Kumar, Consultant Microbiologist, CBDDR & AMR Division, Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Dr. Kumar discussed the growing burden of AMR, challenges, advanced molecular diagnostic tools including next-generation sequencing, and career guidance for budding microbiologists. The lecture was highly interactive and enriched the knowledge of students, research scholars, and faculty members.

Guest Lecture on Basics of Qualitative Research Designs

Activity Date: 12th February 2026

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Gaurav Pant

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) successfully organized a Guest Lecture on “Basics of Qualitative Research Designs” on 12th February 2026 at Vidhan Sabha, Chanakya Block. The session was delivered by Dr. Sachin Bhaskar Palve, Professor & HoD, Department of Community Medicine, Graphic Era Institute of Medical Sciences (GEIMS). He provided valuable insights into fundamentals of qualitative research, including research designs, data collection methods, ethical considerations, and real-life examples. The lecture witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, research scholars, and faculty members and motivated them to apply qualitative research approaches.

Educational Visit to Nature2Nature

Activity Date: February 2026

Activity Coordinator: Prof. Ashish Thapliyal, Dr. Shabaaz Begum

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology organized an enriching educational visit to Nature2Nature, Village Dimmer, Ranipokhri, Dehradun — a sustainable enterprise founded by our alumnus Mr. Himanshu Bahuguna. Students gained hands-on exposure to sustainable production practices, natural formulations, eco-friendly business models, and real-world applications of microbiology through direct interaction with the entrepreneur. The visit provided an engaging and highly motivating learning environment, bridging academic knowledge with practical sustainability initiatives.

Celebration of World Meditation Day

Activity Date: 19th December 2025

Activity Coordinator: Prof. Promila Sharma, Dr. Manisha N.

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) celebrated World Meditation Day on 19th December 2025, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, mental well-being, and inner balance. The session featured a self-guided meditation actively participated by faculty members and research scholars from various departments. It provided a calm and reflective space for participants to pause, reconnect, and rejuvenate. The program was successfully coordinated by Prof. Promila Sharma and Dr. Manisha N.

Industry-Academia Interaction with Orbit Biotech

Activity Date: 12th November 2025

Activity Coordinator: Prof. Ashish Thapliyal, Prof. Manoj Pal, Dr. Divya Venugopal

Brief Description: The Department of Microbiology organized an Industry–Academia Interaction on 12th November with Orbit Biotech. Ms. Upasana Poonia (Training & Placement Coordinator) and Ms. Simrandeep Kaur Sandhu (Senior Trainee Officer) from Orbit Biotech engaged with students and provided valuable insights into opportunities, current industry expectations, skill requirements, and emerging career pathways in Microbiology and Biotechnology. The session helped students gain a clearer understanding of industry needs. The event was effectively coordinated by Prof. Ashish Thapliyal, Prof. Manoj Pal, and Dr. Divya Venugopal.

Educational Visit and Lecture Series at GEIMS

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Gaurav Pant

Brief Description: An educational visit and lecture series was organized for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students at GEIMS. The session provided insightful learning on the role of microorganisms in health, environment, and science.

International Microorganism Day – Rangshala 2025

Activity Coordinator: Dr. Shabaaz Begum

Brief Description: Rangshala 2025, a meaningful donation and art activity with children. Their paintings, smiles, and enthusiasm transformed the day into a celebration of joy and hope. Essential donations such as groceries and toys added comfort to many homes.

Educational Visit to Centre of Aromatic Plants (CAP), Dehradun

Activity Date: 18th November 2025

Activity Coordinator: Prof. Promila Sharma, Dr. Manisha Nanda, and Dr. Amar Jyoti Das

Brief Description: During the visit, students gained valuable exposure to the cultivation, processing, and research activities related to aromatic and medicinal plants. The interaction with scientists and technical experts enhanced their understanding of the applications of aromatic plants in biotechnology, microbiology, and allied industries.