“The International Institute of Health Sciences comprises combines many elements to make it unique; such as blended learning experience, research, community projects and extra-curricular activities. The staff and resources along with proper guidance for a safe future were provided to me during my study period at IIHS.”

I am currently completing my tertiary education and I hope to pursue a career in the field of biomedical science, in order to become a biomedical scientist who is specialized in an area, to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of illness, by conducting a variety of laboratory and scientific experiments.

Biomedical science is a novel brand and the heart of healthcare as it supports medical practice such as research, health monitoring, or treatment. The role of a biomedical scientist is vital since, starting from the development and improving medical treatment, vaccines, equipment, and techniques involving healthcare. The International Institute of Health Sciences comprises combines many elements to make it unique; such as blended learning  experience, research, community projects and extra-curricular activities. The staff and resources along with proper guidance for a safe future were provided to me during my study period at IIHS.

I was fortunate to be involved in IIHS’s community project “Aquaponics- the Smart revolution of Sustainable Agriculture”. Aquaponics is a hybrid of aquaculture (the cultivation of fish and other aquatic animals) and hydroponics (the cultivation of plants without the use of soil). It combines the two components in a symbiotic relationship where plants are fed the discharge or waste of aquatic animals. In exchange, vegetables help to disinfect the water that is returned to the fish. Microbes, in addition to fish and their waste, play an essential role in plant nutrition. Plus these beneficial bacteria colonize the spaces between the plant’s roots and turn fish waste and solids into nutrients that the plants can use to thrive.

Building up the small-scale aquaponics system at the backyard of the IIHS premises was itself a great experience throughout. Though the system we developed was a simple and very economical design; the planning was not insubstantial. A pre-made, professional aquaponic system can be really expensive, but our way added enjoyment and fun of raising fish and our own hydroponic plants by utilizing a natural cycle. Our own aquaponics system was really a diverse and very creative set-up. Being a group project, we experienced the essence of good teamwork. Every individual felt valued and this enabled us to perform at our best.

The fish we used were Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which is one of the most commonly, raised fish species in aquaponics systems; we saw them grow and live happily in their environment. The plants that grew with increased harvest in our system were, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) also known as Salad leaves, Water morning glory (Ipomoea aquatic) also known as Kankun in Sinhala and Pennywort (Centella asiatica) also known Gotukola in Sinhala.. The end result of our project was a seamless integration of aquaculture and gardening within the IIHS premises.

Aquaponics is an evolving closed-system food production technology that integrates recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics. An aquaponics system benefits and creates impacts on aspects socially, environmentally, and economically in different potential settings. The technology could be used for commercial or community-based urban food production, industrial-scale production in rural areas, small-scale farming in developing countries, or educational and architectural decoration systems.

We used the system mainly for agricultural purposes as the crops were provided to the canteen of IIHS in order to prepare healthy meals for individuals. However we found out that complexity, applications and befits could vary accordingly. Further expansion of developing these systems among the household especially, would be of added value and advantage for the community, in the future.