Training course in Cell Culture Techniques
Training course in Cell Culture Techniques A training course in “Cell Culture Techniques” organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 09th to 13th January 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The training course was resourced by Prof. Kamani H Tennekoon, Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon, Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Dr. Kanishka Senathilaka, Dr. Hasitha A. Sampath, Dr. Umapriyatharshini Rajagopalan, Ms. Sivagini Kumarasamy, Ms. Nimesha Wickramaratne, Mr. Nirmal Perera, Mr. Rajitha Kalum, and Ms. Janarny Ganesamoorthy, IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Participants comprised of young scientists, clinicians, medical officers, academics, science graduates, science undergraduates and an individual with GCE A/L qualifications. The training course covered practical component includes basic cell culture techniques including safety precautions, media preparation, cell counting and viability determination, growth of adherent and suspension cells, maintenance of cells, freezing and thawing of human cancer cell lines, apoptosis detection using light and fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity determination and exposure to anti-cancer drug screening. Isolation and maintenance of primary cells, DNA and RNA extraction from cultured cells and an overview of stem cells. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Cell Culture Techniques.
Exploring the Industrial Partnerships – “Research, Innovation and Product Development”
Exploring the Industrial Partnerships – “Research, Innovation and Product Development” A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, and LOLC Advanced Technologies PVT LTD on November 24, 2022. The event took place at the University of Colombo, College House Premises with gracing of the Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, Director of IBMBB Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon, Director of UBL Cell Prof. M.N. Kaumal, Dr. Kanishka Senathilake, Ms. Arani Ranasinghe, and Mr. Mishal Faizan were representing the institution. LOLC Adavaced Technologies was represented by Mr. Danesh Abeyrathne the CEO of LOLC Advanced Technologies, Procurement Manager Mr. Randika Jayasinghe and Deputy Manager international Sales and Marketing Mr. Sahan Mendis. IBMBB is a renowned institution that conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology with subject-matter experts on staff. The goal of this partnership between LOLC Advanced Technologies and IBMBB is to create locally accessible, scientifically useful products. These programs aim to generate cutting-edge innovations that can satisfy the present socioeconomic need by producing new, enhanced products. LOLC Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a business set up to explore sustainable business opportunities in the market with the augmentation of science and technology. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings PLC. It explores technology and innovation aligned with the country’s vision and aims to infuse local value addition. It further provides opportunities for local scientists to work on exciting projects and encourages a spirit of discovery and innovation, which are abundant in Sri Lanka.
Green Climate Fund Knuckles Project Discussion with ICRAF and IBMBB, University of Colombo
Green Climate Fund Knuckles Project Discussion with ICRAF and IBMBB, University of Colombo Dr. Fergus Sinclair visited IBMBB on December 13th, 2022, with the ICRAF and Knuckles Project teams, which included Dr. S. Premakmara, Mr. Chandana Edirisooriya, and Dr. Sirimal Premakmara, to discuss the establishment of a genomics center in Sri Lanka based on the Knuckles Project. Prof. Prasanna Galhena, along with Prof. Sameera Samarakoon, and the rest of the IBMBB staff, which includes Dr. Ruwandi, Mr. Kanchana, Mr. Mendis, Ms. Nethu, Dr. Hasitha, Ms. Joanne, and Mr. Mishal, were part of the meeting. The key areas for submission of the proposal and an expression of interest to enhance genomic exploration in Sri Lanka were discussed. As a leading institution in Sri Lanka for the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with extensive experience, a solid project idea was established for the betterment of Sri Lanka.
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Department of Food Sciences Visit to IBMBB
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Department of Food Sciences Visit to IBMBB The Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries, and Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, visited IBMBB, University of Colombo, on October 27, 2022. The field visit was organized for 42 students from the 3rd year based on a module conducted on the title of “Biotechnology in Food Science. They were exposed to the different types of labs, research, and equipment available at IBMBB by the academic staff and PhD students.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme The first Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme for Non- Academic Staff/ IBMBB was organized based on the Training Need Analysis. Accordingly, 6 days Training Programme was conducted under following areas. Introduction to Administrative Framework and Statutory Committees of IBMBB General Administration General Introduction to Financial Regulation, Procurement Procedures, & General Repairs, Service Agreements, Board of Survey, Losses, Write-off General Auding Procedure Disciplinary Matters, Rights and Obligations of University Employees The individual Portfolio was developed by the participants and the portfolios were assessed. The Certificates were awarded with the presence of the Registrar/ UOC and Director/ IBMBB.
Chemistry Seminar for A/L students
Chemistry Seminar for A/L Students The Dhammissara Old Pupils’ Association organized a chemistry seminar for A/L students, and Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon and Dr. Kanishka S Senathilaka from IBMBB were invited as key resource personnel. The seminar was conducted successfully, and coordination was carried out by the Business Development Unit of IBMBB.
Open Day
Open Day IBMBB had its virtual open day on October 14, 2022, with the participation of more than 100 students and researchers. The event was conducted through the Zoom platform. led by Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Prof. Shiroma Handunnetti, Prof. Jagathpriya Weerasena, Prof. Sameera Samarakoon, and Prof. Sisira Pathirana, along with the esteemed panel of academics from IBMBB, were present to introduce the MSc programs and the short courses to the participants. Additional innovative and industrial talks were given by Dr. Geethani (Head of Laboratories, Lanka Hospital Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Tennakoon (Head of Research and Development, Link Natural Products Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Chamendra (Founder, FADNA Food and Nature Pvt. Ltd.), and Dr. Muditha (Head of Research, John Keells Holdings). The proceedings concluded with a success note, and the student feedback for the event was excellent.
Training Course in Immunological Techniques
Training Course in Immunological Techniques – 2022 A training course in “Immunological Techniques” organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 12th to 16th December 2022 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The training course was resourced by Dr Rajiva de Silva, Medical Research Institute. The Participants comprised of Medical Officers, academics, science graduates, science undergraduates and an individual with GCE A/L qualifications. The training course covered practical component includes cell isolating methods, in vitro culturing of leukocytes, cell counting methods, functional assays for immune cells, and immunodiagnostic assays (ELISA, IFA, Immunochromatography, SDS-PAGE & Western Blotting). The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Immunological Techniques.
Awards Ceremony of the Advanced Certificate in Immunology – 2022
Awards Ceremony of the Advanced Certificate in Immunology – 2022 The Awards Ceremony Advanced Certificate in Immunology – 2022 was held at IBMBB with the participation of Senior Professor H D Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo as the chief guest of the event, Prof Prasanna Galhena, Director, IBMBB and Mr KAS Edward, Registrar, University of Colombo on 14th October 2022. This course was the first academic programme conducted in blended learning mode at the IBMBB. It was initiated through the UNESCO funded Blended Learning Project completed by the University of Colombo. The AdvCert(Immunology) aligns to Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF) level 2, equivalent to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 4. In this year, 19 students were awarded with the AdvCert(Immunology) with five Distinctions and seven Merits.
Training course in Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression
Training course in Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression A training course in “Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression” organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 14th to 18th November 2022 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The training course was resourced by Prof Jagathpriya Weerasena, Professor in Molecular Biology, IBMBB, University of Colombo, Dr Sanjeewani Sooriyarachchi, Research Scientist, Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden and Dr Nilupa Gunaratna, Scientific Assistant, IBMBB, University of Colombo. The training course was conducted for the young scientists, academics, undergraduate/postgraduate students and students awaiting higher studies in biological sciences. The training course provided opportunity to perform the latest as well as commonly used methods in modern biotechnology such as PCR amplification and cloning, preparing recombinant constructs, transformation, protein expression and purification, protein crystallization, getting structural insights of proteins using bioinformatics/ computer graphic-based exercises etc. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression. The training course concluded with an open discussion, where the participants shared their views on the training course and both its contents and organization were greatly appreciated.