Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh with directors of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB).
| Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Hyderabad has emerged as a thriving ecosystem for scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship with the CSIR institutions playing a pivotal role in drug discovery, genetic diagnostics and developing cost-effective Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), said Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh.
Dr. Singh appreciated the vital role played by the CSIR – Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, in driving scientific innovation, supporting national missions, and contributing to India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant knowledge economy.
The Minister emphasized the importance of science-based solutions for national development, especially in addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainability. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, commercialization, and self-reliance in science and technology.
Meeting with directors of three premier labs
Earlier, Dr. Singh has held a meeting with the directors of three premier labs located here: CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT)’s D. Srinivas Reddy, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI)’s Prakash Kumar, and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB)’s Vinay Kumar Nandicoori to review the recent work outcomes, as per an official release.
IICT’s constribution
Dr. Reddy briefed about IICT’s contributions in chemical and pharmaceutical sectors like developing .safer and more effective agrochemicals while the work in catalysis has led to novel catalysts for hydrogenation, oxidation, and polymerization processes used widely in industrial applications.
Development of compostable plastics in association with GreenWorksBio, Hydrazine Hydrate in collaboration with Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor (AGR) technology which enables efficient conversion of biodegradable waste into biogas and bio-manure were highlighted.
CCMB’s accomplishments
Dr. Vinay Kumar Nandicoori explained about CCMB’s accomplishments in molecular biology, genetic diagnostics, and biotechnological innovation like developing DNA fingerprinting technology, which has had an impact on forensic investigations and legal proceedings in the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it had responded swiftly by developing indigenous diagnostic kits, surveillance systems, and even advancing mRNA vaccine technologies.
Another impactful initiative has been its work on Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA), under which it had developed a highly sensitive, low-cost diagnostic kit as part of the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission. The institute is also engaged in research on diseases like Tuberculosis and Encephalitis and has launched India’s first rare disease registry to better understand the genetic basis of uncommon disorders, he said.
More than 160 startups working on biotech innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability are being nurtured through its Atal Incubation Centre (AIC-CCMB). Lead studies are being done on genetic diversity of endangered species, such as tigers and Olive Ridley turtles, and on wildlife forensics to curb illegal poaching and trade, informed the director.
NGRI’s work
NGRI’s Dr. Prakash Kumar stated that country’s first strain map to assess earthquake vulnerability in the Himalayan and Indo-Gangetic regions, a critical step toward national disaster preparedness, was developed here. Deep seismic profiling under a national program aimed at decoding the crustal structure of central India, which holds implications for both tectonic studies and mineral exploration is also being done.
Work on geothermal energy, particularly in Ladakh and Chhattisgarh, has opened new frontiers for clean and renewable energy, he pointed out and also gave an insight into the significant achievements in areas of seismic hazard mapping, resource exploration, and infrastructure support, the release added.
Published – April 07, 2025 03:43 pm IST
