Research & Projects
Rooted in an integrated One Health framework, connecting human, animal, plant, and environmental systems through advanced genomics and emerging technologies.
Our Research
At the Centre of Excellence - Kerala Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (CoE-KISTI), our research is rooted in an integrated One Health framework, connecting human, animal, plant, and environmental systems through advanced genomics and emerging technologies. We investigate microbial dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, crop diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and ecosystem health to address challenges that directly impact food security, public health, and sustainable development.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies with field-level realities, we translate scientific discoveries into scalable innovations from genomic surveillance frameworks, AI driven analytics, and cell biology based therapeutic insights to plant biotechnology innovations, resilient crop protection strategies, and microbial interventions. Through collaborative partnerships with academia, healthcare institutions, agricultural systems, and industry, KISTI bridges fundamental research and societal application, strengthening Kerala's capacity to address emerging biological threats, enhance agricultural sustainability, advance healthcare innovation, and respond to future technological challenges.
Research Focus Areas
One Health & AMR Surveillance
Molecular mechanisms of resistance, real-time genomic surveillance, rapid diagnostics, Nanopore-based pathogen genome sequencing, antimicrobial resistance tracking, and AI-driven outbreak prediction across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Prebiotics, Probiotics & Postbiotics
Gut microbiome research, host-microbe interactions, functional foods, microbial therapeutics, and microbiome-based interventions for metabolic, immune, and gastrointestinal health.
Plant-Microbe Interactions & Agricultural Biotechnology
Plant transcriptome reprogramming, pathogen effector biology, susceptibility gene networks, rhizosphere microbiome engineering, biological control agents, and sustainable crop disease management.
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, biomarker discovery, precision diagnostics, and translational healthcare innovation. The facility will house a 4th-generation Nanopore sequencing platform supporting real-time whole-genome, metagenomic, transcriptomic, microbiome, and pathogen surveillance studies, coupled with advanced bioinformatics pipelines for genome assembly, variant analysis, microbiome profiling, multi-omics integration, and AI-assisted biological data interpretation.
AI-ML
Artificial intelligence and machine learning for disease prediction, AMR evolution modelling, drug discovery, gut microbiome prediction, and AI-assisted multi-omics data interpretation.
Nanobiotechnology for Biomedical research
Nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery, advanced biosensors, nanobiomaterials, and targeted therapeutic platforms for disease intervention.
Cell Biology
Cell signalling studies, regenerative biology, cellular dynamics, tissue engineering, and Ayurveda-based precision healthcare solutions for chronic and metabolic disorders.
Translational Research & Industry Partnerships
Technology validation, product development, intellectual property generation, academia-industry collaborations, and hands-on training workshops in Nanopore sequencing, genomics, bioinformatics, and multi-omics data analysis for students, faculty members, researchers, and industry professionals. The Centre will facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative research initiatives that accelerate the translation of scientific innovations into practical solutions for diverse sectors.
Innovation, Training & Scientific Outreach
Industry collaboration, technology transfer, startup support, intensive research training (UG, PG, FYUGP, PhD), and bioinformatics & microbial genomics services across India.
Our research is guided by scientific rigor, ethical integrity, inclusive innovation, and societal relevance. By integrating genomics, plant and microbial sciences, artificial intelligence, and translational platforms, KISTI aims to position Kerala as a leader in sustainable health, agricultural resilience, cell biology and nanobiotechnology - addressing both local priorities and global challenges.