IMTECH celebrates 4 decades of microbial exploration journey

CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh today
celebrated its 40th Foundation Day by organizing several events including the muchanticipated 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 applicationoriented 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 nonmodel 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.