LUCKNOW, January 28<\/p>\n
Marking its 60th anniversary, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) showcased its contributions and future ambitions at a celebratory event addressed by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, wherein he lauded some of the institute\u2019s milestone achievements which have established its credibility and trustworthiness across the country as possibly the only institution of its kind in India and perhaps one of the few of its kind in the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Jitendra Singh also placed on record the institute\u2019s appreciable contribution in investigating the cause of the mysterious disease currently making news from the Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir.<\/p>\n
The Minister lauded the institute\u2019s pivotal role in addressing public health challenges and called for its expanded reach to ensure a \u201ctoxin-free India\u201d by 2047, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat.<\/p>\n
The Minister emphasized the institute\u2019s support for startups and MSMEs through initiatives like the DSIR-CRTDH Environmental Monitoring Hub and BIRAC-BioNEST. With more than 30 startups and 55 MSMEs receiving support, CSIR-IITR is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors like environmental monitoring and pollution abatement.<\/p>\n
The Minister stressed the need for wider visibility of the institute\u2019s work, urging modern outreach strategies, including leveraging social media, to connect with stakeholders and the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstitutes like these don\u2019t often make headlines unless linked to a crisis. It\u2019s time for a proactive approach to showcase their contributions,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n
Underlining the significance of synergy, Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed greater collaboration between CSIR-IITR and like-minded institutions, including IITs and medical research centres, to foster a holistic approach to science and innovation. He also celebrated the institute\u2019s support for over 30 startups and 50 MSMEs, highlighting its contribution to India\u2019s bio-economy.<\/p>\n
As part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated several key facilities at CSIR-IITR, strengthening its research and innovation capabilities. These included the Diamond Jubilee Arches, the new Diamond Jubilee Block, the NaMo-ATAL facility, and VV Sansa\u2014an advanced reference material facility. Additionally, the Minister inaugurated the third-floor TDIC, the operational hub of the BioNEST initiative, aimed at fostering biotech startups and research collaborations.The Minister toured the CSIR-IITR Exhibition, which showcased the institute\u2019s latest research breakthroughs and technological innovations.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jitendra Singh also unveiled a commemorative stamp highlighting the institute\u2019s remarkable journey. Among the major product launches were Apatkaleen AHAAR, a shelf-stable, high-nutrition food solution for disaster relief and emergency preparedness, and NFit: Nutritious Food in Tablets, a compact superfood designed for endurance and cognitive performance in extreme environments, including space travel. Another innovation, MIL-FiT: Millet-enriched All-in-One Tablets, offers a high-fibre, protein-rich food solution for trekkers, adventurers, and field personnel operating in remote locations. Additionally, SenzSCAn: Point-of-Care Chromogenic Sensor for Sickle Cell Anaemia was introduced\u2014a cost-effective and portable diagnostic tool enabling rapid detection of sickle cell anaemia, particularly in underserved regions.<\/p>\n
In a boost to translational research, major technology transfers\u2014VV Sansa\u2019s TT, and Oneer\u2014were also formalized, underscoring CSIR-IITR\u2019s commitment to transforming lab innovations into real-world applications. Further strengthening its knowledge-sharing efforts, the Minister released the CSIR-IITR Annual Report and Vish-Vigyan Sandesh Sankalan (Volume 1), documenting the institute\u2019s recent achievements and scientific contributions.<\/p>\n
The event also witnessed the launch of the WARMEST and EARTH-25 conferences, aimed at fostering research collaboration on environmental and health challenges, along with the Diamond Jubilee Internship and the E-PARAM initiative, promoting skill development and digital transformation.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the institute\u2019s evolution over six decades, transitioning from its original focus on industrial toxicology to tackling contemporary issues like environmental hazards, food safety, and health crises. He emphasized the institute\u2019s critical role during national emergencies, such as the Odisha cyclone and the epidemic dropsy outbreak, and its integration into flagship government missions like NamamiGange and air quality monitoring.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the institute\u2019s innovations in developing cost-effective tools, such as on-field detection kits for haemoglobin content and sickle cell anaemia, which hold great potential for improving healthcare accessibility. He also lauded its role as the only CSIR laboratory with both NABL accreditation and GLP certification, ensuring adherence to international quality standards.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jitendra Singh also appreciated the institute\u2019s efforts in promoting scientific temper among students through its Jigyasa programs and skill development initiatives. He encouraged the institute to continue its focus on creating affordable, accessible technologies, such as strip-based tests for food adulteration, which directly benefit citizens in their daily lives.<\/p>\n
The Minister\u2019s address underscored a broader commitment to safeguarding public health as a cornerstone of India\u2019s developmental goals. By focusing on reducing toxins\u2014both chemical and social\u2014CSIR-IITR aims to play a crucial role in achieving a healthy and prosperous India by its centenary in 2047.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LUCKNOW, January 28 Marking its 60th anniversary, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) showcased…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18438,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n