UoH Millet Lab Hosts Largest Internship Camp

Hyderabad: The Millet Lab, a vibrant research group under the Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, is abuzz with activity this summer. From May to end of June 2025, the lab is hosting its largest-ever cohort of 17 student interns, marking a significant milestone in its continued commitment to research and training.

These interns hail from a range of colleges, state universities, and central universities across the country and are currently pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in life sciences, biotechnology, and allied disciplines. Their participation reflects both the national reach and academic reputation of the Millet Lab.

Renowned for its advanced research in millet genetics and genomics, the lab—led by Dr M Muthamilarasan, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Sciences has long been dedicated to not only generating impactful scientific knowledge but also nurturing the next generation of researchers. The summer internship programme offers a holistic experience that includes hands-on laboratory training, classroom-based theoretical sessions, visits to other cutting-edge research facilities within the university, and thoughtfully curated extracurricular engagements.

What makes this initiative stand out is its peer-mentorship model: PhD scholars and project fellows from the Millet Lab take an active role in training the interns, fostering a collegial and immersive learning environment. Interns are introduced to a wide range of molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics tools, and research methodologies relevant to plant science, with special emphasis on millets as climate-resilient crops.

Reflecting on the significance of the programme, Dr Muthamilarasan noted, “At the Millet Lab, we believe that empowering young minds through structured training is a key investment in the future of Indian science. Our goal is not only to provide technical skills but also to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence.”

Over the years, the Millet Lab has emerged as a hub for academic excellence, and this internship initiative underscores its vision to blend research with capacity building. By the end of their two-month stint, many interns find themselves inspired to pursue research careers, equipped with both practical skills and a clearer sense of scientific purpose.

The University of Hyderabad takes pride in such initiatives that exemplify the synergy between research and education, and The Millet Lab’s summer internship stands as a testament to how institutional mentorship can shape the future of science in the country.