CHENNAI: The dean of Loyola College S Vincent was selected as a fellow by Royal Society of Biology, London, for his contributions in biological sciences and was also declared a world class biologist a month ago.
He had applied for the fellowship two years ago and this year they have elected him as a fellow of the society. He said, “On July 6, I received the letter. My area of specialisation is ecology and conservation. The kind of research I have undertaken is reflected through hundreds of publication. I have four patents and they are unique. They have selected me on that basis.”
According to the letter he received he can now use the designatory letters — FRSB — after his name. The letter also reads that he is now a professional biologist, well qualified and subject to rigorous code of conduct.
Explaining his research works and the four patents, he said that the first one is a bandage that will provide immediate cure for acute wounds. “This was made especially for those suffering from leprosy and diabetes, because their wounds take a long time to heal and is at risk of turning chronic. The second one is garbage composting. Here, it is not only converting garbage to manure but applying manure to agricultural crops. This will make the crops grow in large numbers and the nutrient content is also high,” he elaborated.
While the third patent is on a health drink made using plant derivatives, fruits and herbs, the fourth one is for a process he developed where the collagen from the placenta can be harvested without any impurity. Vincent has also contributed to aquatic biology and has analysed heavy metal toxicity affecting the quality and sustenance of aquatic life using fish. The metal content in fish will determine the pollutants in the water bodies.
He has also designed and implemented a Geographic Information System strategy for the management of storm water drain in relevance to public health issues to combat vector borne diseases. This study forms the reference for the Corporation of Chennai in planning the urban development for mapping the stagnant and water currents and disease epidemic hotspots.
Vincent has been a part of the college since 1996, researching on various subjects. He believes that his researches should help find a solution to existing problems.