A robust pipeline of world class scientific and technology inputs is a key requirement for developing a sustainable ecosystem for innovation . Over the years , India has been backing R & D across scientific institutions and universities . This has augmented the efforts of the Government by creating a scientific environment in our country that is conducive to development of innovative solutions for the requirement of industry and society at large . This is true , whether it is vaccine development or ISRO ’ s satellite launches . Today the sustainable ecosystem is nurturing start-ups and providing high-end solutions to the technology needs of the world .
We at CSIR-IMTECH provide this eco-system not only by our portfolio of innovative technologies in the field of microbiology and biotech , but also by supporting the start-ups through workshops and meetings to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in life sciences . These tech expositions showcase our translational ideas and support them to create feasible start up plans in the area of Pharma , Medical devices , Diagnostics and Agriculture .
How is the CSIR-IMTECH making strides in the development of microbial technologies ? Currently which are your key focus areas ?
CSIR-IMTECH has always strived to perform research in frontier
Dr Sanjeev Khosla is a fellow of the Indian Academy of Science ( IAS ), Indian National Science Academy ( INSA ) and the National Academy of Science , India ( NASI ). Having received his doctoral degree from the Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore , Dr Khosla completed his postdoctoral studies from the Babraham Institute and the Gurdon Institute in the United Kingdom . His laboratory ’ s research focus at CSIR-IMTECH is on understanding the epigenetic regulation of gene expression particularly in the context of microbe-host interactions .
areas of modern microbiology and provide the biotech industry with highest quality of services and innovative solutions in microbial biotechnology . In this context , the institute has chosen the path of integrated research and development for microbial technology by amalgamating basic and applied research programs in emerging biotechnology and genetic engineering . The vision is to translate the research outcomes into products for unmet needs of the society in general and medical fraternity , in particular .
Over the years , CSIR-IMTECH scientists have excelled in diverse areas of molecular microbiology and the key focus areas of future research include Microbiome ; AMR with particular focus on non-model pathogens ; Nano body engineering ; Precision fermentation and ; Bioremediation .
What have been your priorities for the institute after joining as the Director two and half years ago ?
I took over as Director of CSIR- IMTECH in March 2020 , at a time when SARS-COV2 virus had just started spreading its tentacles in India . IMTECH played a pivotal role in mitigating COVID- 19 challenges not just by providing infrastructure for COVID-specific projects and COVID RT-PCR testing , but we also initiated work on COVID-19 vaccines and helped the academia & the industries by testing antiviral efficacy of their compounds and products . We also imparted training to neighbouring hospitals and laboratories to ramp up COVID testing capabilities .
Today , apart from the COVID-19
BIOVOICENEWS . COM 19