ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa has been granted a Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Biotechnology on “Translational Centre for Molecular Epidemiology of Listeria monocytogenes” under multi-institutional network programme by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. A launching programme cum workshop under the project was organized on 23rd May 2012. The function was chaired by Dr N.P. Singh, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa. Dr. V.K. Naik, Director, Tulip Groups of Companies, Verna, Goa was the Chief Guest. Dr. S. B. Barbuddhe, Project Coordinator, Dr. D. R. Kalorey, Co–Project Coordinator, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, Co-Principal Investigators from other centers, Dr. Deepak Rawool, Senior Scientist,  Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Dr. Rahul Kolhe, Veterinary College, Shirwal, and Dr.  Kekungu-u Puro, Scientist, ICAR Research Complex for NEH region, Barapani, Shillong were present on the ocasion.  Officials from Departments of Health Services, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Forest department, Goa Dairy and faculty from Goa University also graced the occasion.

At the outset Dr N.P. Singh, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa delivered a welcome address. He also briefed the activities of the Institute and expressed that under this program a good quantum of research work would be undertaken considering national interest and would be utilized for the well being of humans and livestock.

Dr D.R. Kalorey, Project Co- coordinator CEIB briefly explained the genesis of the project and highlighted objectives of the project.

Dr S.B. Barbuddhe, Project coordinator, CEIB informed the house about the details of the project. He explained how the scientific data would be generated and translated. He assured that better diagnostics and preventives biological tools would be developed for listeriosis. Dr Barbuddhe informed that under CEIB, trained human resource would be developed to cater the need of medical and veterinary sciences. Now, food items would be required to be screened for L. monocytogenes, a fodborne pathogen, as per Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011. Hence, training in specified area would be organized for the personnel from food industries. He also explained the adaptation of approaches toward combating zoonotic and food borne infections through community participation.

 Dr. V.K. Naik, Chief Guest of the function spoke about commercialization of technologies developed by research institutes for benefit of the public. He also expressed satisfaction over the continued interactions between industries and the academic institutions.

On the occasion training manual on Listeria and two extension folders were released.

Dr. M. Karunakaran, Co-Project Investigator, CEIB, ICAR Research Complex for Goa proposed the vote of thanks. Later during technical session, the details of the project were explained by the Project Coordinator and discussed with stakeholders.