THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JANUARY 14, 2026
With strong
progress reported across INCOIS-funded projects nationwide and clear directions
set for the next phase of research, the Annual Review Meeting (2025–26) of the
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) concluded
successfully at Centurion University, Bhubaneswar. The two-day meeting reviewed
the outcomes of ongoing research initiatives, endorsed collaborative advancements,
and reaffirmed INCOIS’ commitment to strengthening India’s ocean and climate
science ecosystem.
Held on
January 12 and 13, the review meeting brought together 26 Principal
Investigators and their research scholars from across the country, along with
10 senior scientists from INCOIS and a representative from the Ministry of
Earth Sciences. Detailed presentations and discussions focused on scientific
progress, emerging outcomes, future research directions, and collaborative
opportunities in oceanography and climate sciences.
A major
highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Environmental Assessment and
Research Laboratory (EARL) at Centurion University of Technology and Management
(CUTM), Bhubaneswar, by Dr. T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director, INCOIS, on
January 12. Established with support from an INCOIS-funded sub-project, the
state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with advanced facilities for analysing
ocean biogeochemical, optical, and environmental parameters, significantly
enhancing the institution’s research capabilities.
The newly
inaugurated EARL laboratory is envisaged as a hub for interdisciplinary
research on climate change impacts, coastal resilience, and marine ecosystem
health. In addition to marine and environmental research, the facility is also
equipped to undertake industrial wastewater and surface water analysis,
contributing to environmental monitoring and sustainability initiatives.
Speaking on
the occasion, Prof. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice-Chancellor, CUTM Odisha, said,
“The Annual Review Meeting of INCOIS at Centurion University and the
inauguration of the Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory mark an
important step in strengthening India’s ocean and climate research ecosystem.
We are grateful to INCOIS and the Ministry of Earth Sciences for their
continued support. The EARL laboratory will significantly enhance
interdisciplinary research on climate change, coastal resilience, and marine
ecosystem health, while also contributing to environmental monitoring and
industry-oriented solutions.”
In a separate
statement, Prof. (Dr.) G. S. N. Raju, Chancellor, CUTM Andhra Pradesh,
expressed his appreciation for INCOIS’ sustained collaboration with the
university. He noted that the establishment of the EARL laboratory reflects a
strong alignment between national scientific priorities and academic research,
and will play a vital role in nurturing future-ready researchers while
delivering solutions to real-world environmental challenges.
Dr. Kamal
Kumar Barik, Principal Investigator, and Dr. Pratap Chhotaray, Co-Principal
Investigator, were also present during the event, along with senior scientists
from INCOIS, faculty members of CUTM, research scholars, laboratory students,
and staff members.
The Annual
Review Meeting and the inauguration of EARL together mark a significant
milestone in reinforcing collaboration between INCOIS and Centurion University
towards advancing ocean science research, environmental sustainability, and
climate resilience in India.
