What is the BSIB Project?
The Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) project is a collaboration between the University of Colombo and Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, established through the Leading University Project for International Cooperation (LUPIC) program. Supported by the National Research Foundation under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, this partnership aims to introduce a comprehensive educational program in Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. This initiative is designed to address Sri Lanka's growing need for a biotechnology sector by developing a skilled workforce equipped to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotech industry.
Why the BSIB Project?
Biotechnology industries, especially in the fields of medical therapeutics and diagnostics, are vital to the economic growth of many countries. While neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh have established lucrative biotech sectors, Sri Lanka has yet to fully develop this industry. The BSIB project seeks to fill the knowledge and skills gap by creating an academic foundation in biotechnology for Sri Lankan students. This collaboration will not only strengthen the existing Biochemistry and Molecular Biology programs at the University of Colombo but will also empower students with the expertise required to promote the growth of biotech startups and industries in Sri Lanka.
Funding Agency
The BSIB project is generously funded by the National Research Foundation of the Republic of Korea, under the Ministry of Education, through the Leading University Project for International Cooperation (LUPIC) program. This financial support highlights the importance of international academic collaborations in advancing scientific knowledge and technology for global and regional benefit.
Funding Agency
The BSIB project aims to create both undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate fundamental science with industrial applications in biotechnology. Key outcomes include:
- Equipping students with technical skills and innovative thinking necessary for the biotechnology industry.
- Establishing a local innovation center at the University of Colombo, which will support entrepreneurship, provide infrastructure, and foster collaborations between the university and biotech industries.
- Bridging the gap between research and commercial development in Sri Lanka’s biotechnology sector, benefiting both students and local businesses.
- Promoting the establishment of biotech-based startups and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth through biotechnology-driven industries.
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Contacts
Prof. Sangho Lee – Link
Department of Biological Sciences
Sungkyunkwan University
Email: sangholee@skku.edu
Dr. Kaveesha Wijesinghe
Email: kwijesin@chem.cmb.ac.lk
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
University of Colombo
Dr. Duleepa Pathiraja
Email: pmduleepa@chem.cmb.ac.lk
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
University of Colombo