The Kerala Cabinet has given approval for the establishment of a one-of-a-kind Centre of Excellence in Microbiome Research in the state. This centre will be set up under the aegis of the Kerala Council for Science, Technology, and Environment, with support and partnership from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram. Administrative permission was granted after the acceptance of the detailed project document submitted by the Kerala Development Innovation Strategic Council.
The microbiome refers to the collection of all microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their respective genes, naturally inhabiting our bodies. Microbiome research is an emerging field of science that offers a new perspective within the realm of microbiology.
Scientist Dr. Sabu Thomas, who has retired from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, will be appointed as the inaugural director of the Centre of Excellence on a contractual basis for a duration of three years. The Kerala State Council of Science, Technology, and Environment is responsible for initiating the initial steps for the centre’s registration as a company. The Department of Science and Technology within the Government of Kerala has been designated as the administrative department for microbiome-related matters."
Microbiome research more relevant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Through this project, the Kerala government is hoping to develop new diagnostic interventional techniques in diverse scientific fields ranging from ecology, agriculture, medicine and forensic science to exobiology.
Microbiome research is envisioned to adopt a One Health approach, an integrated strategy aimed at sustaining the health of people, animals, and ecosystems in a balanced and sustainable manner. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the broader environment, including ecosystems.
With the promotion of microbiome research, Kerala aims to develop new diagnostic and interventional techniques in diverse scientific fields, spanning ecology, agriculture, medicine, forensic science, and even exobiology. The establishment of the Microbiome Centre was announced in the state budget for 2022-23 to harness the full potential of this area.
The Kerala government aspires to transform the proposed centre into a hub for coordinating interdisciplinary research, facilitating cross-domain collaboration, and fostering innovative product development to underscore the significance of microbiota in the holistic healthcare system. The government also intends to leverage the potential of big data technologies such as IoT and data analytics to create spatiotemporal mappings of the microbiome. Additionally, there are plans to establish a genomic database for further research and understanding of microbial interactions.
The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome aims to support research and development in six domains: Human Microbiome, Animal Microbiome, Plant Microbiome, Aquatic Microbiome, Environmental Microbiome, and Data Labs.
The initial research laboratory will be located at Kinfra Park, Thiruvananthapuram. Subsequently, the Centre for Excellence will be relocated to a new building at the Life Science Park in Thonnakkal.
