"Empowering Excellence in Research: Our Journey with the DST CURIE Project Grant"

 

Proud Recipient of the CURIE Project Grant by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Ministry of Science and Technology under the Department of Science and Technology has started Project CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation & Excellence) Core Grant for Women PG Colleges, an initiative under ‘Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN)’ Scheme to provide various career opportunities for women scientists and technologists. It is primarily aimed to bring gender parity in the Science & Technology sector by inducting more women talent in the research & development domain through various programmes.

In the year 2008-09, DST took a special initiative, ‘CURIE,’ to support women universities for improving R&D infrastructure and enhance research facilities. CURIE support has been extended to 08 Women Universities in the country.

CURIE support resulted in a significant increase of student enrolment at undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels in CURIE supported Universities. It has also enhanced the number of NET/GATE qualified students. Extramural funding has also been increased due to the presence of sophisticated labs, which resulted in publications in high impact factor journals.

The Scheme is intended to provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities of Science & Engineering Departments for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in Women Educational Institutions.

It will be helpful in imparting hands on training and enhance skill development to UG/PG Students and Research Scholars and pursuing research in emerging thrust areas.

In April 2022, with our efforts, Mata GujriMahila Mahavidyalaya (Autonomous) Jabalpur has received the Project CURIE (core grant) to enhance the research facilities and upgrade the required Infrastructure needed to attract fresh talents among young girls working in the field of Science. Our institution is the first college in the central India who has successfully received this project by Central Government.  

About the CURIE Program

The CURIE Project is an initiative by DST aimed at strengthening the research infrastructure of women’s universities in India. By providing state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory facilities, and funding for advanced research, this program enhances research capabilities, promotes innovation, and encourages more women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. CURIE's support is specifically designed to foster a conducive research environment, leading to scientific breakthroughs and pioneering advancements.

Project Team

Principal Investigator  

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Dr. Mahima Tripathi     
Associate Professor, PG Department of Zoology  
Dr. Mahima Tripathi leads the CURIE Project as the Project Investigator, bringing her extensive expertise and commitment to advancing research within the field of Zoology and allied sciences.

Nodal Officer & Co-Investigator  
 

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Dr. Shyamji Shukla

Assistant Professor, PG Department of Biotechnology  
As the Nodal Officer and Co-Investigator, Dr. Shyamji Shukla plays a vital role in coordinating project activities, fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations, and ensuring successful project implementation.

Departments Involved in the CURIE Project

The CURIE Project is a multidisciplinary initiative supported by several departments within our college, with a focus on fostering research and innovation across life sciences and other critical fields.

Life Sciences Departments

  • Department of Zoology
  • Department of Botany
  • Department of Biotechnology
  • Department of Microbiology

Other Departments

  • Department of Mathematics
  • Department of Computer Science

Together, these departments contribute their expertise, research capabilities, and collaborative spirit to advance the goals of the CURIE Project, strengthening our institution’s commitment to excellence in STEM education and research.

Central Laboratory Establishment and Facilities

Under the CURIE Project, our institution has successfully established a Central Laboratory built to research standards. The laboratory provides essential instruments and facilities, ensuring smooth execution of research activities, training sessions, workshops, and student studies. The lab is fully equipped with high-speed internet and computer facilities to support students and research scholars. Additionally, we are developing a Smart Lecture/Classroom with modern amenities for hosting guest lectures, expert talks, presentations, and discussions.

Instruments Available in the Central Lab

  1. Biosafety Cabinet
  2. BOD Incubator
  3. Cooling Centrifuge
  4. Vertical Deep Freezer
  5. Digital Microscope
  6. SDS-PAGE Unit with Power Supply
  7. Fermentor
  8. Microplate ELISA Reader
  9. Orbital Shaking Incubator
  10. Rotary Vacuum Evaporator
  11. UV-Vis Spectrophotometer with PC
  12. Water Purification System

Other Available Facilities

  1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Machine
  2. Gel Electrophoresis Unit with Power Supply
  3. Gel Documentation System
  4. Centrifuge
  5. Autoclave
  6. pH Meter
  7. Refrigerators
  8. Weighing Machine

These facilities are accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as research scholars, for various academic and research activities such as hands-on training, workshops, internships, and dissertation projects. The Central Lab, under Project CURIE, will also serve as an Incubation Centre for diverse research studies, providing essential resources and fostering a supportive environment for academic growth.

Collaboration with Other Colleges

To enhance the scope of research and training programs for students and promote excellence in Research & Development (R&D), we propose a strategic alliance and mutual collaboration with other institutions. This collaboration will elevate the standards of R&D and provide enriched research facilities, encouraging innovation and spreading Science and Technology (S&T) awareness among students.

Proposed Programs and Activities under CURIE

Under the CURIE Project, our institution has outlined a series of comprehensive programs aimed at improving research standards and nurturing the skills of young women in STEM. The activities will adhere to the guidelines set by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, enhancing students' research skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These initiatives will significantly boost students' academic performance and aspirations in Science and Technology.

Activities Proposed Include:

  1. Short Hands-on Trainings and Instrument-Specific Workshops
  2. Technique-Specific Training and Certification Courses
  3. Internship Programs
  4. Dissertation Projects
  5. Expert Lecture Sessions and Guest Lectures
  6. Webinars, Seminars, and Conferences
  7. Jointly Organized Field Visits and Educational Tours for Students
  8. Skill-Oriented Courses, Trainings, and Workshops
  9. Collaborative R&D Support as Needed

Through these programs, our institution aims to foster an inspiring learning environment, empowering young women with the knowledge and practical skills essential for impactful careers in Science and Technology.

 

Discover the Activities undertaken in the CURIE Project  

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