Happenings

An educational visit to the Birbal Sahani Research Institute, Lucknow, was organized on 27 February 2026 for the students of B.Sc. ZBC Semester II with the objective of enhancing their understanding of palaeosciences. The primary focus of the visit was to study fossils and preserved fossil specimens housed at the institute, while also revisiting students’ foundational knowledge of fossilization processes.

The Birbal Sahani Research Institute, known for its magnificent colonial-style architecture, is a premier center dedicated to the study of fossil plants. Its research domains include plant taxonomy, morphology, evolutionary trends, palynology, biodiversity, and climate change. The institute also functions as a repository for significant fossil collections and serves as a hub for geochronology, geochemistry, and glaciology.

During the visit, students explored the well-curated exhibitions showcasing rare and historic fossil specimens. The experience provided valuable insights into ancient plant life and environmental conditions of the past. A key highlight of the visit was the introduction to dendrochronology, which fascinated students as a method of studying climatic changes through tree ring analysis.

The interactive sessions and guided explanations by experts helped clarify several theoretical concepts and addressed students’ queries effectively. Overall, the visit proved to be highly informative and enriching, broadening students’ academic perspectives and sparking greater interest in palaeoscientific research.