Maharaja’s College scholars selected for international lichenology symposium in Italy

Ernakulam: Two research scholars from the PG and Research Department of Botany at Maharaja's College have been selected to present their research at the 10th Symposium of the International Association for Lichenology (IAL10), to be held in Trieste from July 26 to 31, 2026.

Aswathi Anilkumar and Arun Christy Sebastian are among only three participants from India selected to receive the prestigious Beneficentia Stiftung Travel Grant, awarded by the Italian Lichenological Society. The grant, worth €2,000, will support their participation in the international symposium.

The two scholars are also the only awardees from Kerala, marking a major achievement for Maharaja’s College and the state’s academic community.

Both scholars are pursuing their PhD research under the guidance of Stephen Sequeira, faculty member of the PG and Research Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam.

Background of the scholars

Aswathi Anilkumar, a native of Ernakulam, is the daughter of Anilkumar and Sheeja of Muttathil House, Chottanikkara, and the wife of Deepak Kumar of Vaikom.

Arun Christy Sebastian, a native of Kozhikode district, is the son of Sebastian and Ancy Sebastian

of Panjipparayil House, Koodaranji.