SMVDU Katra, March 2019. Faculty members and students of the School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, took part in the 6th J&K Women Science Congress (JKWSC) organized by Govt. PG College for Women, Gandhi-nagar, Jammu, in collaboration with J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council, Dept. of Science & Technology, J&K. The main theme of the JKWSC was “Research & Women in Science, Technology & Mathematics Representation, Challenges & Opportunities” in the spectrum of traditional as well as modern sciences. The event was designed to spread the understanding of the need to empower women who constitute nearly 50% of the population and involve them in nation building activities, tapping their potential as innovators. This is in line with one of the endeavors under the leadership and encouragement of Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, to engage more young female minds of the university in the scientific community to participate in research. As part of the event of the Congress, Dr. Sharada M. Potukuchi, Faculty, SMVDU, deliberated on the topic “Funding Schemes for Science Graduates – A World of Opportunities” in view of the constantly changing scenario in the country which has enabled increased participation of women in science. She also mentored the students of Biotechnology to participate in the proceedings wherein, Ms. Vidushi Abrol, Research Scholar, made an oral presentation, titled “Lost: Pioneer of Scientific Revolution”. Ms. Aruna Vir, B.Tech. 6th Semester presented poster titled “Single Copy Number Variation of PER3 Ge3ne in Relation with Ovarian Cancer Patients of Jammu region” coauthored by Ms. Sonali Verma, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., Biotechnology. Ms. Nitika Sharma, M.Sc. 2nd Semester student made an independent presentation titled “Sirtuins in Ageing and Cancer” for which she competed amongst 50 participants and was awarded the Consolation Prize for her Poster Presentation. Prof. V. Verma, Head, School of Biotechnology applauded the efforts of the Faculty and students in creating a sustained platform for demonstration of women’s contribution in science in India of behalf of the university.
