Kerala University needs a crash course

Picture this: Trivandrum transforms itself into a science city, where top technical experts from various research institutes gather regularly to exchange information about their research projects. They collaborate with university departments, engage with faculty and student researchers, and work closely with local administration to address challenges and develop innovative solutions using cutting-edge technology. Additionally, they pool their resources, share facilities, and support commercial ventures.

But here is the reality: apart from a few collaborative ventures, most research centres operate in isolation and lack awareness of each other's work. In some cases, there is even a lack of coordination between departments within the same facility. Research projects in universities often do not extend beyond doctoral degrees or PhDs. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed by universities tend to lose momentum when the initiator departs. Expensive machinery and sophisticated labs remain restricted to a select few, and researchers are often unaware of such facilities they can access. Furthermore, research centres tend to remain disconnected from society, with only a few projects from these prestigious labs making a meaningful impact on people's lives.

So what can be done to change this?

This was the subject of a lively interactive session held at the Kariavattom campus of Kerala University recently. The 40-odd participants read like a who's who of research institutes and state-run facilities that cover various fields, including agriculture, health, space, and social sciences. They were invited by the Kerala University authorities to deliberate on the subject at an R&D Colloquium organised as part of the three-day Researchers’ Fest at Kariavattom.

At a time when Kerala University is making headlines for negative reasons, this initiative envisaged by Dr Sreejith Panicker, director, AcREM-Stem of the Zoology Department deserves a pat on the back. The response it received from different sectors was eye-opening, and hopefully, it will pave the way for a permanent nodal platform for scientists and research fellows.

As the top minds from the research centres, government agencies and university authorities put their heads together to take stock of the current state of affairs, some of the revelations that emerged were startling. Yet, as the deliberations ended a ray of hope seemed to emerge.

The state definitely has the potential to fashion itself as a hub of innovation and scientific advancement. However, as the interaction revealed, there is a long way to go before Kerala University can become a mothership for the knowledge economy that the state aims to become. The hurdles appear insurmountable now, with Planning Board member Jiju P Alex pointing out that the state simply will not be able to find the estimated 35,000 crore rupees needed to turn the state into a knowledge economy.

To secure this kind of funding, alternative financing models need to be developed. However, ideological differences in the approach to funding pose a significant challenge, as he pointed out. To overcome this hurdle, Kerala University should look beyond government handouts and explore alternate avenues for financing, such as models implemented in private universities and IITs.

While major changes may take time, there is an effort to establish a centralised website that serves as a window to Kerala University's extensive reach across various fields. The need for a comprehensive information repository that caters to experts, researchers, and non-academics was emphasised during the interaction. The lack of intra-departmental cooperation is hindering both researchers and authorities.

Professor KP Sudhir, Head of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) and a professor at IIT Madras, shared instances where proposals were submitted to his council for the purchase of equipment that was already available in a sister department. KSCSTE is currently working on a website that will list the facilities and equipment available in different institutions across the state.

Dr Anuja George, head of Community Medicine at Trivandrum Medical College, highlighted a similar instance of data underutilisation. In a recent case involving individuals contracting rabies after vaccination, her department later discovered that another government agency had previously observed similar trends among animals. However, health officials were unaware of this information.

Events like an increased outbreak of zoonotic diseases emphasise the need for strong collaborations among different departments. It is crucial to have a platform where experts can effectively communicate with each other. Currently, inter-departmental and inter-institutional collaborations in Kerala are minimal and often short-lived, relying on the individuals who initiate them.

What Kerala needs is a long-term and sustainable system of collaboration that extends beyond individual initiatives. Such efforts can facilitate consultancy projects, partnerships with industries, and the development of practical solutions to real-world challenges faced by Kerala.

As pointed out by Prof Chandrabas Narayana, the director of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, this can only happen when experts from different fields unite to address larger issues that hold scientific and social relevance. With some of the best research centres in the country located in Kerala, including Kerala University, they should come together to shape Trivandrum as a science city, he said. By pooling their expertise and resources, they can foster innovation, drive scientific advancements, and make a significant impact on the socio-economic development of the region.

While lofty ambitions may make for captivating headlines, it is essential to listen to the researchers and faculty members to understand the deep-rooted problems that Kerala University must address before it can enhance its scientific credentials.

One of the major challenges is the lack of a proper support system, which discourages faculty members from initiating research projects. Navigating the audit department and dealing with the associated paperwork can be a minefield, deterring many from taking the leap. Those who do venture into research often receive minimal rewards or recognition, and they may even risk jeopardising their own pension payments.

Researchers often face the looming uncertainty of payments when funds dry up, which forces many to prioritise job security over continuing their involvement in research projects. This issue requires urgent attention from the authorities, especially considering that private universities, which have deeper pockets and more flexibility, are emerging in the country.

It is crucial for the university authorities to prioritise the stability of funding for research projects, offer support to researchers during lean periods, and create an environment that encourages researchers and faculty members to pursue their work without the fear of financial insecurity.

Kerala University still maintains its reputation as a premier institution in the country. However, if immediate steps are not taken to address these core issues, there is a risk of the university being reduced to merely an exam-conducting body, rather than a transformative platform that can contribute to making Kerala into a knowledge economy.

Good news and bad news for Kerala edtech

Kerala-based edtech firms have been in the headlines, though not all the news is positive. Let’s start with the good news: Xylem Learning has just finalised a 500-crore deal with the edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah. Xylem Learning, founded by Dr Ananthu, an MBBS doctor from Alleppey, started in 2020. It currently offers free classes to 3 million students through its 30 YouTube channels. Moreover, it has over 100,000 paid students enrolled in various online courses and 30,000 students attending its offline/hybrid centres, as reported by Entracker. A previous profile piece on Ananthu, featured in the Malayalam magazine DhanamOnline, shows that rags-to-riches stories still happen in the real world.

Now, to the other edtech company with links to Kerala: Byju’s. This prominent company has been facing a series of negative news, and our consulting editor MG Radhakrishnan has written an in-depth piece about it for Mathrubhumi. Despite the challenges, Byju’s management appears undeterred. But their situation will remain shaky if they continue to delay the release of their financial statements for the fiscal year ending in March 2022.

China’s EV market set to race ahead

The electric vehicle (EV) market in China is poised to maintain its rapid growth as the government in Beijing unveiled a stimulus package worth 72.3 billion US dollars in tax breaks for EV buyers. As per the plan, individuals purchasing EVs in 2024 and 2025 will be eligible for a tax exemption of up to 4,170 US dollars or 30,000 yuan. This exemption will be reduced by half and capped at 15,000 yuan for purchases made in 2026 and 2027, according to Reuters. China's previous subsidy programme had ended last year, leading to concerns about the future of EV sales in the country. Now with the new tax breaks, it appears China will continue to lead global EV sales. In contrast, Indian buyers of electric two-wheelers may face higher costs as the incentives provided by the Indian government are set to expire, reports YourStory.

Time for chickens to celebrate

The United States has become the second country in the world to allow lab-grown chicken meat to be sold in the market, following Singapore's lead. Instead of obtaining meat from slaughtered birds, this meat is produced using animal cells cultured in bioreactors. Tissue samples are taken from live animals and their cells are grown in a laboratory setting. As these cells continue to grow and multiply, they can be processed into food, as explained by MIT Review. Up until now, alternative meat options in the US market have primarily been made from plant proteins. Now California-based companies Upside Foods and Eat Just can sell their lab-grown chicken products alongside. In a press note, Upside Foods said, “We like to imagine that chickens across America are celebrating.”

Never ask AI for a helping hand

Elections and AI are a combination that continues to amuse and amaze us. This one comes from a mayoral election in Toronto. Former journalist Anthony Furey is vying for the post and thought it was a cool idea to use some AI-generated images as part of his campaign. The images depicted Toronto life, such as a policeman on a street and scenes from major streets. However, one of the images in the 42-page document showed a woman with three arms, revealing that some of the images were not real. Once this became a talking point, his campaign team issued an apology. We can't help but wonder how his team missed such an obvious error. Take a look at this picture and judge for yourself.