Thiruvananthapuram native in Indian team for Antarctica expedition

KOCHI: Athira AS, a research student at the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) in Kochi, is in the team for the 46th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. Athira will conduct research at the Maitri Research Station in Antarctica as part of a team departing on November 7th.

The research is part of a project titled "Assessment of Pollutants in Antarctic Ecosystems," which is coordinated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa—an institution under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. The study is being conducted through a collaboration between CIFT and NCPOR. It focuses on actinomycetes found in the soil of Antarctica. Athira's goal is to study the diversity of these microorganisms.

Authorities stated that Athira’s involvement would help expand CIFT’s research activities into new areas and strengthen collaborations with national and international research institutions. Athira, who holds an M.Sc. degree, is a native of Machel, Malayinkeezhu, in Thiruvananthapuram. Her husband, Jithin IS, is an official in the Fire and Rescue Services Department.