Welcome to the Institute of Health Sciences

Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), Presidency University: A Vision for Advanced Research and Education The Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), established at the second campus of Presidency University, Kolkata, is a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing education, research, and training in cutting-edge biological sciences and technologies. With a focus on advanced health science initiatives, IHS is committed to integrating its efforts into the prediction, diagnosis, prevention, and management of emerging viral or infectious diseases, emergency trauma and injury related health issues. The primary mission of IHS is to create a robust foundation for public healthcare infrastructure by emphasizing student-centric education, generating skilled manpower, and fostering research-driven technologies. The global pandemic of 2020 highlighted the urgent need for such a dedicated institute in West Bengal, leading to the establishment of IHS through a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, alongside Presidency University. Genesis of IHS IHS evolved from the School of Biotechnology (SBT), which was initiated in 2019 with a master’s program in Biotechnology. Generous funding from the Department of Higher Education, Science & Technology and Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal enabled the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure for postgraduate education and advanced research. In 2022, IHS was restructured and expanded, introducing two additional master’s programs in Molecular Microbiology and Virology & Immunology. This transformation was further supported by the Government of West Bengal, which facilitated collaborations with government hospitals for research on infectious diseases. Today, IHS comprises: • 3 Master’s Degree Programs • 7 Teaching and Training Laboratories • 34 Research Laboratories • 21 Faculty Members Looking ahead, the institute is on the verge of launching a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree Program in Biotechnology, further strengthening its educational offerings. Bridging Academia, Industry, and Society In addition to its academic and research focus, IHS is dedicated to skill development through initiatives such as the Molecular Diagnostics Certificate Course and value added courses like Statistical Programme for Biologists. Through its outreach platform, Pragati, IHS engages in activities such as health and environmental awareness campaigns, workshops, and events like National Science Day, World Environment Day and Earth Day. These programs foster collaboration among students, scholars, and faculty to address pressing societal issues. The institute also organizes monthly colloquiums featuring guest speakers from India and abroad, alongside regular workshops, scientific sessions, and industry roadshows. The Faculty members also participate in the ‘Faculty Seminar Series’ every month to share their scientific endeavour and get critical feedback from their peers. Final-year students are given exposure to career opportunities through industry visits, internship programs, and career counselling sessions, preparing them for diverse ventures in research, academia, and biotechnology industries. Achievements and Accolades In five years, IHS has earned numerous laurels, including: • Received approval for the DST-FIST grant (2024) • Organized the National Symposium on Molecular Basis of Life-Health, Disease and Diversity (November 28 th to 30 th , 2024) supported by ANRF and CSIR • DBT-Wellcome Trust Intermediate Fellowship to Dr. Arpita Konar (2024) • Dr. Debanjan Mukhopadhyay was Elected as Associate in West Bengal Academy of Sciences (2024) • Received grant from Company of Biologists to organize small scale science meets. • Organized the Regional Young Investigators’ Meeting in collaboration with India Bioscience (7 th -8 th December, 2023) upon receiving grants from India Bioscience. • INSA-Visiting Scientist Fellowship (2023) to Dr. Subhabrata Paul • Dr. Arpita Konar was elected as a member of National Academy of Sciences India (2023) • International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Fellowship Award (2022) to Dr. Arpita Konar • Mid-Career Lady Scientist Award (2022) to Dr. Arpita Konar by Association of Gerontology (AGI), India • AMI-Young Scientist Award (2021) to Dr. Junaid Jibran Jawed by the Association of Microbiologists of India • NASI-Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award (2021) by National Academy of Sciences of India to Dr. Gaurab Sircar • Organized the International webinar Host-Microbe Interactions: Present and Future Perspectives 2.0 in 2021 • Elected ‘Associate’ (2021) of West Bengal Academy of Sciences (WAST) to Dr. Somsubhra Nath • Organized the International webinar Host-Microbe Interactions: Present and Future Perspectives in 2020 • DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Early Career fellowship (2019) to Dr. Gaurab Sircar • AMI Young Scientist Award received by Dr. Avishek Banik (2019) • Individual research grants to the faculty members from National and state funding agencies amounting to ~16 crores DBT, SERB, ICMR, DBT-Wellcome Trust, DST and WBDSTBT • Scholars secured national and international travel grants for presenting work in national or international meeting

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Department of Health Sciences
Phone:    033-24225487
Email:    coordinator.ihs@presiuniv.ac.in
Address:    86/1, College Street         Kolkata-700073