The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) was setup under the Ministry of Biotechnology, Government of India to help build a unique knowledge centre dedicated towards Genome Research, Advancement of Disease-Preventive Techniques etc. ILS was later on given a autonomous status to continue its tremendous work in various fields of microbiology and biotech with the assistance of other government-run research centres. The Institute of Life Sciences is housed in a large campus located in Bhubaneshwar.