UKHRUL: Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) inaugurated the First Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Lecture Series on February 9, at the PG-Science Block, marking the launch of a major academic initiative aimed at strengthening intellectual engagement, research culture, and interdisciplinary dialogue within the university.
The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. R.K. London Singh, Head of the PG Department of Chemistry and Director, IQAC, DMU, who highlighted the importance of sustained academic platforms in promoting scholarly excellence and innovation. He welcomed the Vice-Chancellor, the distinguished speaker, faculty members, research scholars, students, and invited guests.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the need to organise such lecture series on a regular basis, describing it as a vibrant intellectual forum that would bring eminent scholars to the university and provide meaningful academic exposure to both students and faculty. He outlined three key pillars of university development—strengthening infrastructure, advancing impactful and interdisciplinary research, and enhancing outreach and academic exposure.
The distinguished speaker, Dr. Rakesh S. Laishram, FNASc, was introduced by Dr. Maibam Birla Singh, Convener of the programme and Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, DMU, who highlighted Dr. Laishram’s notable academic journey and contributions to RNA biology.
Dr. Laishram delivered the inaugural lecture on “The New RNA World (RNA-omics): Non-coding and Untranslated RNAs in Gene Expression,” offering insights into the rapidly evolving field of RNA-omics. He explained the critical role of non-coding and untranslated RNAs in gene regulation and discussed how advances in RNA research are reshaping the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. He also spoke on emerging applications of RNA technology in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in diagnostics, targeted therapies, and precision medicine.
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A recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Swarnajayanti Fellowship, Wellcome Trust–DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship, and Ramalingaswami Fellowship, Dr. Laishram was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences in 2023 and currently serves as Scientist F.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. R.K. Chingkhei, Assistant Professor and Co-convener from the Department of Environmental Science, DMU. Around 100 participants, including faculty members, students, research scholars, and invited guests, attended the lecture and participated actively in the interactive session.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Lecture Series is envisioned as a flagship initiative of DMU, reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and meaningful societal contribution.