SPPU to establish Dr Pramod Chaudhari Centre of Excellence for Advanced Bioeconomy

Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University will soon establish the Dr Pramod Chaudhari Centre of Excellence for Advanced Bioeconomy on its campus to promote research and enhance knowledge on bioresources and their utilisation for the benefit of mankind, with a major focus on sustainable development and the circular bioeconomy.The centre, which will be housed near the university’s Department of Technology, will undertake research and educational activities in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, life cycle analysis of bio-based technologies and synthetic biology.A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Chaudhari and SPPU for the establishment of the centre with a donation of Rs 75 lakh.The centre will also offer courses related to bioeconomy and allied subjects, foster industry-academia collaboration and conduct outreach activities through conferences, workshops and faculty development programmes (FDPs).“The end products emerging from the centre’s research that contribute to the sustainability of the bioeconomy will be significant. Bioeconomy is gaining importance, and technology, including AI, is expected to play a dominant role in this segment as well,” Chaudhari said.“We hope that solutions to environmental problems will emerge from the research carried out at this centre. The centre will begin operations in the upcoming academic year 2026–27,” SPPU vice-chancellor Suresh Gosavi said.