CSIR-IMTECH celebrates 4 decades of microbial exploration journey

New Delhi: CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh celebrated its 40th Foundation Day by organizing several events including the much-anticipated Foundation Day Lecture.

Professor Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University delivered this year’s Foundation Day Lecture on ‘Impact of Technology on Society’ and highlighted the importance of technologies that is shaping the lives of humankind.

Prof. Vig with a teaching and research experience of more than 35 years, highlighted the positive impacts of using technology in society & how technologies have reinvented business design, manufacturing processes and distribution channels. During her lecture, she touched upon vital aspects of technology through wireless & satellite communication, space program, nuclear program, infrastructure, automobiles and Industry 4.0 and how they have evolved over the years. Prof. Shantanu Bhattacharya, Director, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) also graced the event to commemorate the 40 years celebration of IMTECH’s foundation.

Dr. Sanjeev Khosla, Director, CSIR-IMTECH while welcoming the guests and faculty to IMTECH’s 40th foundation day apprised the audience with the institute’s achievements during the last forty years. He gave a brief snapshot of the four decades journey of IMTECH; from what started as a make shift laboratory in a warehouse to a sprawling 47 acres campus in Chandigarh. He also lauded the efforts of scientists and researchers who have built strong peer credibility both in basic and application-oriented broad thematic areas of molecular biology and microbial genetics, cell biology and immunology, protein science and engineering, and fermentation technology and applied microbiology. He exhorted the scientific fraternity at IMTECH to focus on future & niche research areas which includes microbiome, AMR with particular focus on non-model pathogens, nano body engineering, precision fermentation and bioremediation.

Dr Khosla highlighted the translational efforts of IMTECH scientists that has resulted in a higher rate technology transfer to the industry of the total filed patents. Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Khosla said, “Surely, we have  come a long way but one thing that has remained common in the last 40 years has been our commitment & resolve towards addressing unmet healthcare and industrial needs through microbial interventions & with state-of-the-art processes and platforms.”

As part of the celebrations, CSIR-IMTECH conducted series of conferences on basic & fundamental research in microbiology, sustainable microbial technology for biomolecule production & on microbial ecology. An event was also organized for celebrating the scientific legacy of IMTECH with its alumni who have made a mark in the different parts of the country and around the globe.

Institute also observed ‘Open Day’ during which about students, researchers, graduates and general public from in and around tricity visited the Institute and interacted with scientists to get a firsthand account of various facets of microbiology and biotechnology. On this occasion, the Institute also felicitated its students for the best Ph.D. thesis, best Ph.D. presentation and best poster presentation award 2024 with a certificate and cash award for their outstanding performances.