THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : On Friday, world renowned virologist and one of the founders of Global Virus Network ,Dr. William Hall, met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, to discuss first phase functions at the newly set up Institute of Advanced Virology(IAV) in Trivandrum. The institute was inaugurated by Dr. Hall.
In Kerala studies on cattle viruses and related diagnostics should form part of initial work after which, research activities and diagnostics at national or global level can be taken up as the institute expands, Dr. Hall advised. Departments essential to the institute should be set up on priority basis, together with diagnostics tools needed, he said. There should be no haste in setting up operations and there must be vigil maintained before taking up any activity, Dr. Hall cautioned.
During the talks, it was decided to equip IAV with mechanism to network all clinics and related establishments. Arrangements required at IAV shall be made for on priority basis, CM assured. Scientists shall be recruited phase by phase. CUSAT Professor Dr Mohanann shall be appointed as Adjunct faculty, he added.
Participants at the discussion also included Dr. Shyamsundar Kottlil, Dr MV Pillai, Executive Vice President to Science-Technology and Environment Council Dr KP Sudheer, Dr GM Nair, Dr. Stalin Raj(ISR) and Scientific Advisor to CM MC Dattan. Dr. William Hall had visited the institute earlier on Friday. Dr Hall has been in Kerala since 3 March at IAV since its take off.
