- Team ‘ImmunoSTAT’ tops national competition themed ‘Science for Society’
- Innovative mRNA-based therapy targets Recurrent Implantation Failure in IVF
- ₹50,000 scholarship for students; mentor Dr Rohini Nair earns fellowship and citation
- Win underscores Gujarat Biotechnology University’s growing national and global research stature
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, DEC 20
Students of Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) have secured first place in the Young Laureate category at the WAAH Science Laureate Awards 2025, an annual national science competition organised by the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), Ahmedabad. The awards, held under the theme “Science for Society”, honour innovative scientific projects that address pressing real-world challenges.
The competition was conducted in two stages—an online video submission accompanied by a detailed written proposal, followed by an in-person evaluation held on November 8, 2025, in Ahmedabad. GBU’s Team “ImmunoSTAT” emerged winners, receiving a ₹50,000 scholarship, a Trophy and Citation as part of the Young Laureate Award. Their faculty mentor, Dr. Rohini R. Nair, was awarded a ₹15,000 fellowship and Citation.
The winning team comprised Arin Jain (team lead), a postgraduate student of Plant Biotechnology; Sanskriti, a student of Medical Biotechnology; and Shubhangi Jha, an alumna of Medical Biotechnology. The project was mentored by Dr. Rohini R. Nair, faculty member in Medical Biotechnology, who recently received a research grant from Gates Foundation India and holds the prestigious Marie-Curie Co-Invest Fellowship and the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship.
The award-winning research focused on developing an mRNA-based therapeutic approach for Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF)—one of the leading causes of unsuccessful pregnancies among couples undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures such as IVF. With nearly 50–60% of first-attempt IVF cycles failing, the team designed an mRNA construct aimed at improving the stability of the uterine epithelial and stromal layers during the implantation window.
According to the team, the therapy is envisioned as a single, precisely timed dose administered prior to IVF, using targeted delivery to minimise side effects. The approach seeks to reduce repeated treatment cycles, making fertility care more effective, affordable and emotionally sustainable for families affected by RIF.
Reflecting on the achievement, faculty mentor Dr. Rohini R. Nair said the recognition highlights GBU’s strengthening research ecosystem and demonstrates the ability of its students to tackle complex biomedical challenges with societal impact. The university noted that such accolades reaffirm its emphasis on translational and socially relevant biotechnology research.
Expressing happiness over the students’ success, Deputy Registrar and Head of the Academic Department, Mr. Vimal Shah, stated, “Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) is the only university in Gujarat where students from 17 states across India come to pursue their master’s degrees in education and research. These students are actively encouraged to undertake research that benefits both industry and society.”
He added with pride that “a recent graduate of the university received a prestigious fellowship worth ₹1 crore to pursue a PhD at the University of Georgia, USA,” calling it a testament to the institution’s growing global recognition.
Established by the Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Biotechnology University is the world’s first dedicated biotechnology university. Spread across 23 acres near GIFT City, the university was founded in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, reinforcing its strong international academic and research linkages. Through its focus on product-oriented and impact-driven research, GBU continues to nurture the next generation of biotechnology professionals.
