Academic

IN-SPACe, ISRO and AICTE jointly organise training programme on use of Space- Tech for agriculture sector

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has organised an innovative ‘Train the Trainers’ short-term program in the use of space technologies in the agriculture sector. The 5-day course on ‘Using Space Technology for the Agriculture Sector’ has been designed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Meerut Institute of Technology (MIT), various Non-Government Entities (NGEs), and academia. Dr Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe said, “The new course is an important step towards realizing the transformative potential of space technology in boosting the agriculture sector. It aims to equip individuals with both theoretical and practical knowledge of space technologies in the agriculture sector. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of benefiting the common man, embodying the spirit of (Antyodaya) as well as our commitment to using advanced technology for the betterment of its agricultural practices and ultimately, for ensuring food security and sustainability” The Short-Term course on Using Space Technology for the Agriculture sector covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to leverage space technology in agricultural practices. The use of space technology can revolutionise precision farming and leverage satellite data and space-based assets to empower farmers with the power of information to optimize their agricultural practices with unprecedented precision. By analysis of climate data and weather forecasting, it will help to safeguard crops against unpredictable weather patterns. The course includes modules on Agriculture Land Monitoring, Pest/Disease Detection & Incidence Forecast, Crop Area Estimation & Production Forecast, Cropping Systems Analysis, Soil Mapping & Monitoring, and Agriculture Drought Assessment & Monitoring. Additionally, there are sessions on Horticulture Crop Area Estimation & Monitoring and Command Area & Water Resource Monitoring. The course also examines topics such as the study of plant nutrient deficiency symptoms, advances in sensing and analytics for precision agriculture, and the fundamental applications of phytotron technology. There’s a focus on the practical aspects of agriculture, including soil sampling, soil processing, drone and robot demonstrations, and methods of soil analysis. Other practical aspects include preparation of growing media, testing of seed germination, measurement and handling of humidity, and the qualitative and quantitative exposure of light. The course highlights the use of space technology applications in the agricultural sector, introducing participants to the basics of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Remote Sensing applications in agriculture. Sessions on Crop Inventory and Health using optical methods, Earth Observation (EO) based Digital Agriculture and Global crop monitoring systems, and microwave remote sensing for crop inventory with hands-on training round off the course. Participants are also introduced to various ISRO portals like Bhoonidhi, BHUVAN, VEDAS, and MOSDAC, integrating space technology with AI and ML for comprehensive farm management.

NTU Singapore designs Chinese Medicine undergraduate degree to address healthcare needs

From 2028, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) will confer its own Chinese Medicine degree. It is the first locally conferred Chinese Medicine undergraduate degree programme accredited by the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB), and has been developed for Singapore’s healthcare needs. The new four-year Bachelor of Chinese Medicine degree programme has been launched by Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health. It will be offered by NTU’s School of Biological Sciences and will welcome its first cohort in August 2024. The new Bachelor’s degree programme in Chinese Medicine will be designed with input from local TCM institutions and the TCMPB, and draws on the expertise of NTU faculty and visiting faculty from overseas universities. A governing board comprising representatives from NTU, industry leaders, and Chinese medicine academics from other universities will oversee the programme. Weekly three-hour clinical training sessions at the NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic are built into the curriculum to expose students to clinical settings. In addition, students are required to go for two-month internships at partner TCM institutions at the end of every semester to accumulate clinical experience and gain confidence as they assume a more significant role in caring for patients under the supervision of clinical mentors. There are also plans to set up overseas clinical internships and exchange programmes for students to expose them to how TCM is practised worldwide.

IIT-M partners with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research to offer MD-PhD dual medical degree

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is partnering with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to offer a MD-PhD Dual Degree programme. The postgraduate medical degree will be awarded by SRIHER and a PhD degree by the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology of IIT-M. This partnership will concentrate on core clinical, interdisciplinary, and translational research. A MoU towards this Dual Degree programme was signed by Dr Uma Sekar, Vice Chancellor, SRIHER and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-M. IIT Madras in May 2023 had launched the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology, which will offer a four-year B.S. programme in medical sciences and engineering. This course will be a first-of-its-kind in India. The objective of MD-PhD Dual Degree Programme is to produce well-trained research scientists who will lead India’s quest for self-sufficiency in the field of medicine and health. The programme will be operational from the next academic year. The postgraduates admitted to SRIHER through NEET and desirous of doing PhD will apply for the PhD programme at the end of the second year to the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology at IIT-M. The Department of Medical Sciences and Technology will follow established procedure to select candidates to pursue the PhD programme. Once selected, IIT-M will issue them a pre-PhD offer and they will be eligible to register after their degree in SRIHER. Such candidates will be mentored by IIT-M faculty and a SRIHER faculty during their third year at SRIHER.

Wilson College to Introduce Cutting-Edge Health Care Graduate Programs

Evidence In Motion (EIM) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Wilson College to launch graduate degree programs catering to the burgeoning demand in health care professions. The collaboration will offer aspiring professionals the opportunity to pursue degrees in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). Located in Chambersburg, Pa., Wilson College, known for its commitment to student-focused education, will spearhead this initiative to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in our communities. Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., president of Wilson College, expressed enthusiasm about this venture, stating, "This new partnership with EIM aligns with our mission to provide accessible and relevant curricula that meets the needs of today's students. These degrees will help meet the pressing demand for well-equipped health care professionals in Pennsylvania and beyond." The degree programs, delivered using EIM's hybrid and accelerated education model, will be accessible to students nationwide. Most of the coursework will be available online, supplemented by hands-on lab immersion experiences conducted in Philadelphia, Pa. Emphasizing a career-focused approach, each program integrates clinical and capstone components, ensuring a seamless transition into clinical practice and post-professional education programs.

Premera and UAA Partner to Promote Behavioral Health Careers

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is supporting a new video campaign with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to encourage people to pursue careers in behavioral health, which includes care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The videos feature UAA alumni sharing their stories about their behavioral health work and how it benefits the community. "Premera's work aligns with UAA's goal to meet the workforce and community development needs facing our state," said University of Alaska Anchorage Provost Denise Runge. "We're thankful to Premera for helping us spread the word as UAA looks to be part of the solution to one of the many pressing workforce gaps facing our communities." The Health Resources and Services Administration found nearly half of the U.S. population lives in a mental health provider shortage area. The impact of these provider shortages can be felt across the state. Studies found 36 percent of adults in Alaska experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression did not receive treatment, while 62 percent of Alaskans age 12–17 with depression did not receive any care in the last year. With nearly 25 percent of Alaskans also facing challenges from substance use, the behavioral health care system is strained. With the continued need for care, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported employment of behavioral health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. The UAA College of Health offers educational programs to prepare students to enter a variety of careers, including roles as a therapist, counselor, social worker, psychiatrist or psychologist. The programs can take three months to six years to complete. "At Premera we know that we can't sit on the sidelines while Alaskans continue to face problems getting the behavioral health care they need," said Jim Grazko, President of Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. "We're grateful to University of Alaska Anchorage for leading this critical work in helping people find a path to working in behavioral health."

Fonterra shares New Zealand's best farming practices to upskill Thai dairy farmers

New Zealand's largest dairy co-operative, Fonterra joined hands today with the Thai government to help upskill Thai dairy farmers and improve local farming practices. The 3-day dairy development program currently underway at the Nakornratchashima Animal Nutrition R&D Centre brings together NZ dairy experts and local farmers to find better farming solutions. Into its fifth year, the effort is funded by NZ's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Fonterra, and its ingredient arm, NZMP. "Our New Zealand farmers are at the heart of our Co-op and our farming practices are second to none," said Grant Rudman, Regional Manager, Fonterra's Farm Source division. "We've got generations of experience delivering nutrition in a way that cares for animals, people and our environment, to bring value to our communities." The initiative is timely for Thailand's dairy farmers as cost pressures continue to rise on farm, a similar trend to what New Zealand farmers have been experiencing in the past two years. Thailand's export of dairy-related products has grown in value by 20 per cent since 2018 and this has been made possible by a stable supply of imported ingredients from New Zealand used in food manufacturing in Thailand. Southeast Asia's growing demand for dairy positions Thailand as a leading manufacturer and exporter of dairy products in the region. "Our longstanding partnership has been a recipe for shared success which promotes economic growth in both countries while ensuring a stable and high-quality dairy supply to consumers in Thailand and across the world," said H.E. Jonathan Kings, NZ Ambassador to Thailand. New Zealand sent its first recorded shipment of butter to then Siam, over 120 years ago and in1983 provided Thailand with as many as 50,000 dairy cows. While local dairy farms produce fresh and liquid milk for consumption, New Zealand's quality, safe and grass-fed milk complements the Thai industry by providing sustainably produced value-added dairy ingredients used in the manufacture of food products in Thailand for domestic use and export. The interactive program features classroom training and practical on-farm interventions on topics like milk quality, animal husbandry and nutrition, with the intent of improving milk yield, quality, and more resilient farming communities.

DPSRU inks MoU with Akums Drugs to promote pharmacy education

Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Govt. of N.C.T of Delhi, and Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, have embarked on a collaborative journey to research on specific therapy-gaps and introduce novel products for Indian patients. This industry-academia partnership will also enhance pharmaceutical education and research opportunities for DPSRU students. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sealing this partnership was recently signed by Dr Harvinder Popli (Registrar & Dean - DPSRU) and Arushi Jain (Director – Akums). The collaboration represents a step towards equipping students with practical, industry-relevant knowledge and experience, fostering a brighter future for the pharmaceutical sector. This partnership aims to empower the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals, for them to contribute to the growth and development of the nation. It is believed to be a harmonious alliance bridging the gap between academia and industry for the betterment of research and education in the pharmaceutical field.

USF Health, Tampa General Again Expand Medical Training Opportunities to Strengthen Pipeline of Health Care Workforce

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Tampa General Hospital announced the launch of a new medical residency training program in anesthesiology. The new anesthesiology residency program is based in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) at the University of South Florida and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Residents in the four-year program will work at Tampa General Hospital and other TGH locations throughout the Tampa Bay region and be trained by USF Health faculty. Recruitment for applicants to the inaugural class has already begun. The anesthesiology residents will add to the training positions already in place in MCOM's Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. As the new anesthesiology residency positions fill to 48 physicians – with 12 residents in each of the four years of training – USF Health's GME program will expand to support more than 780 residents and fellows in nearly 70 specialty programs. "Our new anesthesiology residency program will help us address a national shortage of both anesthesiologists and residency positions to train future physicians in this crucial specialty," said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. "We are delighted that Tampa General Hospital is collaborating with us to further expand our GME programs across a wide variety of specialties to ensure the most advanced care to the next generation of Floridians." Dr. Lockwood is also executive vice president and chief academic officer of Tampa General Hospital. "This new anesthesiology residency program at Tampa General is an incredible opportunity for residents to train under the supervision of some of the nation's leading physicians," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "In partnership with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, we're continuing to expand training opportunities, strengthening the pipeline of talent to our region, and contributing to the exceptional care offered at Tampa General now and for years to come. At the same time, we are fortifying a foundational element of academic medicine – educating the next generation of medical professionals." The new anesthesiology residency program is being led by Dr. John Hodgson, an anesthesiologist with TEAMHealth, a physician-owned practice plan that supports select clinical services for the hospital. "We are thrilled to establish a residency with 48 individuals that will complement the complexity and size of TGH/USF," Dr. Hodgson said. "Recruiting is underway, and we are seeking top-notch medical school graduates who are poised to become leaders in our specialty through the pursuit of excellence in patient care, research, and quality improvement." "The anesthesiology residency program was developed to complement Tampa General Hospital's goal of being the nation's safest and most innovative academic medical center," said Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, chief of Anesthesiology at Tampa General and assistant professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. "Its presence will positively impact the needs of our community, training the next generation of anesthesiologists in the setting of a national shortage that has impacted our region. As a tertiary care regional referral medical center, we have both the breadth of facilities and acuity of cases to provide our residents with the highest caliber of both academic and clinical experience. We are very excited to get started training future national leaders in the field of anesthesiology."

Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 is now open for entry worldwide

In its continued efforts to recognize the contribution of nurses to humanity and the healthcare community, Aster DM Healthcare has announced the third edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. The award invites registered nurses from across the world to apply by submitting nomination of their work on www.asterguardians.com. Nurses can apply in one Primary and up to two Secondary areas of contribution, namely – Patient Care, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education, Social or Community service and Research/ Innovation/ Entrepreneurship in Healthcare. The secondary areas of contribution can be optional. All applications received will follow a stringent review process led by an independent jury and an external advisory firm – Ernst & Young LLP (EY). The Grand Jury, consisting of an independent panel of renowned experts will review the shortlisted applications to select the final top 10 nurses, who will undergo further assessments for the final winner to be determined and announced in the month of May 2024, around International Nurses Day. "Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has emerged as one of the leading awards in the global nursing community with the highest prize money and provides a platform for nurses to share their life's work. After the success of the first and second editions, which brought forward the spirit of leadership, innovation, community service, care and education we are encouraged to continue championing the voice of nursing and help them get their due recognition," said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare. In the first edition of the award held in Dubai in May 2022, Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya bagged the award. The second edition received over 52,000 registrations from 202 countries. Nurse Margaret Helen Shepherd from the UK, a leading nurse for monogenic diabetes was named the winner on 12th May 2023 and she allocated a part of the £200,000 prize to support global genetic tests for monogenic diabetes patients in need.

BIRAC announces women leadership in STEM programme

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Government of India enterprise, has partnered with WomenLift Health to launch a leadership development programme to empower women leaders working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in India. The Women Leadership in STEM (WLS) programme, under the Grand Challenges India (GCI) initiative, aims to catalyse a systemic change towards gender equity in STEM leadership by investing in mid-career women professionals and providing them with the tools, networks, and mentorship needed to excel in their chosen fields.This part-time programme will bring together a cohort of 20 mid-career women leaders working in STEM institutions in India for three fully funded, five-day residential leadership workshops over the course of a year. The sessions have been designed, in collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership, to support these women to realise their potential and grow as leaders and decision-makers as well as foster a strong network of champions and institutional partners. The WLS programme also includes a Leadership Project to address real-world challenges related to centering women and girls in STEM, catalysing institutional change, optimising pathways to leadership, building integrated and resilient health systems, and STEM innovation and policy in India. The WLS programme is in line with the Government of India’s commitment towards women-led development, as articulated at the G20 Summit in September 2023. Through its focus on transformative leadership and mentorship for women working in STEM, the programme offers a pathway for their increased representation and participation in decision-making processes, leading to more balanced and diverse leadership teams. The call for applications to the WLS programme will open on October 27, 2023; mid-career women professionals with 10-25 years of experience in recognised public and private STEM institutions in India are eligible to apply.