Open day at THSTI on GARBH-Ini Mission

03 Oct 2023

Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) hosted an open day on 26th September 2023, wherein 112 students from Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad; G D Goenka University, Gurgaon and Ram Lal Anand College, Delhi University visited the campus to understand and know the various research activities being carried out at THSTI. 
The open day was organized as part of the institute’s outreach program of showcasing Atal Jai Anusandhan Programme of DBT, GOI, and Flagship program of THSTI – GARBH-Ini (an Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on BirtH outcomes – DBT India Initiative), which aims to inspire young minds, sensitize them about clinical research and encourage them to pursue careers in science and technology. The students were given a tour of the campus, where they saw various laboratories, workshops, and facilities. They also interacted with the researchers and learned about their current and future projects.
Some of the highlights of the open day were:
Dr Jayanta Bhattacharya, Dean and Executive Director (Additional Charge), THSTI, welcomed the students with a briefing about the institute and the GARBH-Ini programme. The next speaker and highlight of the day was- an interactive session by Prof Shinjini Bhatnagar, a Distinguished professor, where she discussed the global and national burden of preterm births and the journey of GARBH-Ini from inception to implementation. During her interactive session, Prof Bhatnagar discussed the public importance of GARBH-Ini, one of the largest pregnancy cohorts of the country. 
Dr. Shailaja Sopory (Principal scientist-II) discussed the multi-dimensional approach to understand the adverse pregnancy outcomes highlighting their relevance and impact.
As part of the GARBH-Ini program, a national biorepository has been established in THSTI. Insight about the facility was given by Dr Pallavi Kshetrapal, Associate Professor. The GARBH-Ini team has been working diligently to transform maternal and child health using artificial intelligence. The talk on the topic was given by physician-data Scientist, Dr. Bapu Koundinya Desiraju.  Nutrition and its impact on pregnancy were also discussed by the GARBH-Ini team.
A quiz on discussed topics was conducted where the students tested their knowledge and won prizes.
The students were impressed by the innovation, creativity, and vast scope of our institute and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to visit. They also asked many questions and shared their ideas and opinions with the researchers.