Kerala Leading the Way in Science: Declares State Microbe and Launches CoE-M
Kerala is once again setting a benchmark for the country with its research-driven strides in the field of science and technology. The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoE-M), established by the state government to effectively harness the role of microorganisms in the health and environmental sectors, has become operational. With this initiative, Kerala also holds the distinction of being the first state in India to declare its own ‘State Microbe’.
Bacillus subtilis
Kerala’s own microorganism, Bacillus subtilis, has been declared the state microorganism of Kerala. Naturally found in soil, water, food, and the intestines of humans and animals, it is one of the most extensively studied microorganisms. The declaration is based on the bacterium’s proven benefits in areas such as disease control and increased agricultural productivity. It is expected that Bacillus subtilis will become a valuable asset to the state’s economy through the development of new products by various universities in the coming years.
Centre of Excellence in Microbiome
The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome is the first institution in the country to bring microbiome-based research in the fields of human health, agriculture and the environment under one roof. The centre, which has begun operations at KINFRA Park, Kazhakoottam, is expected to play a crucial role in realising the development vision of New Kerala. It is equipped with microbiology and molecular biology laboratories, animal cell culture facilities, incubation spaces, startup support systems, and state-of-the-art bioinformatics facilities for big data analysis.
The primary objective of the centre is to translate scientific research on microorganisms into products that are beneficial to society. This includes improving nutrition and immunity through the development of probiotic and prebiotic products, accelerating plant growth and enabling natural disease control through microbial technology, and conducting research on the use of microorganisms for pollution control. The centre functions in collaboration with K-DISC under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
The project has been realised with financial assistance from KIIFB and scientific guidance from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. The centre will soon be shifted to a permanent campus at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park in Thonnakkal, which will open up wider research opportunities. Through international research collaborations, Kerala is becoming a global centre for microbiome research.
