MSSRF researcher Dr Merlin Lopus received DST Woman Scientist Fellowship 2021-22. She has received PhD in Bioinformatics from VIT University, Vellore and now continuing her research in the area of Biodiversity Informatics. The project titled” Study of the impact of biodiversity in the pest control management of rice-based agroecosystem” was sanctioned for 3 years. This research will be conducted in the Wayanad district by analysing different farming techniques at three agroecological zones. Dr. V. Shakeela, Director, CAbC MSSRF will be the Scientist Mentor.for the study.