Prof. Sarat K Dalai is the director of the Institute of Science, Nirma University Ahmedabad, Gujarat. With a Ph.D., he is a trained immunologist with 20 years of research experience in infectious disease immunology and immunomodulation. He previously was associated with prestigious research organizations in the USA: NIH, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research for Military Medicine. As the director, he has a vision of providing superior academic and research opportunities to the members of this institute.

Institute of Science, Nirma University

What is your philosophy of leadership and its implementation?

“I consider myself a compassionate and conservative academic leader”

Some features of my leadership methodologies are highlighted below:

  • Be a team builder, team player and leader
  • Trust your colleagues and co-workers
  • Develop empathy for the needs of colleagues. 
  • Identify the strength of the people you work with and assign them tasks accordingly.
  • Empower them to accomplish their task without any interference.
  • Inclusivity and diversity among men and women must be followed strictly.
  • Listen to your colleagues more than advising them. 

What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your Institute?

“An increased emphasis on experiential and project-based learning”

Biological science offers rewarding career opportunities to individuals with the particular skill sets. Institute offers and promotes quality education blended with cutting edge research in medicine, agriculture and environment sciences with ethical standards.

The students are given personal attention. We promote an environment that comprises self-learning, group learning, good laboratory practice and training. Research-based activities, to address socially relevant issues, are key features of our academic delivery. The process helps our students get placements in the Bio-pharma industry, academic institutions, and opportunity in higher studies, particularly for Ph.D. research. Besides, we also provide a good placement support to the interested students. Many of our alumni have cleared national level exams to gain admission in renowned academic and research organisations in India and abroad.

How does the curriculum of Nirma University ensure the best practice of the industry?

“Ethical laboratory practices, training and use of advanced equipment are part of the syllabus”

We teach our students to follow proper guidelines when it comes to laboratory activities, laboratory safety and ethics. We train our M.Sc. students with basic laboratory techniques. This includes the use of high-end instruments like flow-cytometer, HPLC, Fluorescence microscope, fermenter. They are also deputed to the Bio-pharma industry and renowned national labs for summer training. The M.Sc. dissertation projects devoted to experimental research in the laboratory, help our students to be industry-ready.

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What do you think should be the Institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“Initiating new UG programme and expansion of PG courses to incorporate advanced studies” 

  • We wish to expand our academic program by offering a five-year B.Sc. and M.Sc. integrated programme in Bioscience. It would blend Physical Science-Computer Science-Artificial Intelligence with Life Science.
  • We would like to expand our PhD programme with the inclusion of more thrust areas. 
  • Attracting and retaining good faculty, senior professors, and enriching the research environment 
  • Planning on creating 2 Centres of Excellence. 
  • Cancer Biology: Diagnosis and Therapy
  • Infectious Disease: Biology and Vaccine Development

What are some of the biggest challenges for higher education in today’s world?

“A sudden increase of academic institutes without set-standard and supporting infrastructure hampers the overall quality of education”

The absence of government support and higher tuition fees contributes to the competitive disadvantages of private educational institutes. Additionally, the dependency on tuition fees for all academic activities including salary is a major concern. The institutional support for R&D (research and development) also remains inadequate at most of the academic institutes.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for your students?

“Adequate resources are being cultivated to fulfil students’ entrepreneurial plans”

We are planning to provide Entrepreneurship training and encourage our students to get into the Start-up culture. Hence, we are building an incubation centre that will help students in this creative domain.

How do you guide your students to survive in today’s competitive academic scenario?

“Continuous monitoring, counselling and handholding strengthen our students mentally”

Providing academic, emotional and mental support to our students has been one of our best practices yet. We also provide them soft-skill training to communicate effectively, help write resumes and face placement interviews. We do provide guidance and essential study materials to prepare for competitive examinations as well. Our library support system (online, remote and offline) is very conducive for students.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Work hard, be honest, and never stop learning”

I would implore the youth to love the country and its people first. Work for the greater good of this world and put sincere efforts into what you do. Believe in yourselves, because with self-belief you can achieve anything in life.