KASAULI: Prof Sudhir Syal, Dr Ritesh Arya and Prof. Rajesh K. Sani, holding the signed memorandum distinguished Prof and Director of the MASON Center, South Dakota Mines (USA), along with Prof. Sudhir Syal of the Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan. The visit marks the beginning of an international scientific collaboration aimed at advancing cutting-edge research in paleobiology, geobiology and geothermal microbiology.
During the visit, Dr. Ritesh Arya, Founder of the Tethys Fossil Museum, presented recently discovered fossils from Solan and Ladakh and outlined major research opportunities emerging from Himalayan geological archives. The institutions formally discussed collaborative projects, culminating in the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance scientific exploration and knowledge-sharing.
Key Research Areas Agreed Under the MoU
1. Extreme Thermophiles from the Precambrian (1.5–2.0 Ga). Joint studies will investigate ancient paleo-thermophilic life forms that evolved during CO₂-rich atmospheric conditions, offering insights into early Earth environments and microbial evolution.
2. Uranium Enrichment in Fossilized Wood from Kasauli (20 Ma)-Teams will analyze exceptionally preserved Miocene fossil wood to understand uranium concentration mechanisms and reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions.
3. Evolution of Angiosperms: DNA Isolation from Miocene Fossils- Researchers will explore the possibility of retrieving ancient DNA from 20-million-year-old plant fossils, potentially opening new pathways in understanding early flowering plant evolution.
4. Poly-thermophilic Microbial Communities in Puga Geothermal Fields
The collaboration includes studying modern extremophiles thriving in the high-altitude geothermal systems of Puga, Ladakh—considered natural analogues of early Earth microbial habitats.
Strengthening International Scientific Cooperation
The MoU establishes long-term academic cooperation among the Tethys Fossil Museum, South Dakota Mines and JUIT, focusing on shared scientific resources, joint publications, data exchange and collaborative grant applications. The agreement is valid for five years, with provision for renewal.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ritesh Arya said that the partnership represents “a major step towards placing the Himalayas on the global scientific map by integrating fossil records, geothermal systems, microbial research, and understanding biogeological evolution.”
Prof. Rajesh Sani expressed great enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the Himalayas offer “unique, naturally preserved archives that can redefine our understanding of life in extreme environments—past and present.” Prof. Sudhir Syal, Dean (Research and Internationalization), JUIT Waknaghat, added:
“This tripartite collaboration brings together complementary strengths. By combining paleontological expertise, advanced geomicrobiological capabilities, and strong institutional support, we will be able to pursue high-impact research that enhances scientific understanding and benefits students and scholars across all three institutions.”
The visit concluded with detailed discussions on project execution, field expeditions, sampling strategies and plans for future international workshops.
About Tethys Fossil Museum
Located in Dangyari near Kasauli, the Tethys Fossil Museum houses over 500 fossils collected by Dr. Arya since 1987, showcasing the geological and paleontological evolution of the Himalayas.