With a view to further explore ways to increase its research capabilities to develop new technologies and methods for infertility treatment, Nova IVI Fertility recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat University. Under the agreement, selected students from the university will be given a chance to undergo hands on training in the company's research laboratories.

The MoU which was inked in December 2011 was signed with an aim to encourage and promote ideas exchange through industry-academia collaboration for research activities. Through this  agreement, the company plans to provide infrastructure and technological support to the potential researchers who are keen to do research in the field of embryology.

Embryology is a science that deals with development of an embryo from the fertilisation of the ovum to the foetus stage. At present in India there are hardly any courses that cater to this niche area of science.

According to Dr Pravin Patel, director, Nova IVI Fertility, “Embryology is a topic that is hardly covered in any of the syllabus that is currently provisioned in the Indian educational system. Today we have a team of experts who are qualified to groom these young researchers to understand this complex but highly important subject relating to embryology according to demands of the industry.”

The trainers who will be providing in-depth knowledge to these students are some of the best in the country as they have an expertise in this field, which now will further be strengthened with the company's partnership with IVI. Under the partnership, researchers from the company will be sent to IVI headquarters in Spain to get trained on latest developments and technological know-how in this area which can be further passed on to the promising research students.

Patel further pointed out that it will be a win-win situation for both the company and the students as they will get trained on this niche area which is highly picking up in demand in the country. “At the same time, since these students are trained by our own team of experts, we can offer them an opportunity to work with us on a long term basis. This will be quite a strategic move for us since we will be able to get the right talent that we need especially since they are trained according to our requirements,” he added.

The company officials informed that some of the students who are selected are already being given individual research projects on which they have started their research activities.