Lectures mark CSIR foundation day

Chandigarh, November 23

The Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) celebrated the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s foundation day here today by organising several events which included lectures by experts on chemical engineering from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

In his talk on ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Development of Biosimilar Products, Prof Anurag S Rathore from Delhi IIT discussed economic drivers and challenges faced during the development and commercialisation of biosimilars. Discussing ‘Opportunities at the interface of Engineering and Biology,” Prof Pramod P Wangikar from the IIT, Mumbai, said research issues in biology and medicine require an engineering approach. Though engineering and biology were generally perceived as distinct and possibly mutually exclusive fields, opportunities that were available at their interface range from physiologically based “pharmacokinetic” models to systems and synthetic biology, he added.

Andew Ayre, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, said the UK was a global leader in science and innovation and international collaboration was essential to maintain the excellence of the UK’s research base and the competitive advantage of its innovative businesses. The UK and India had been close partners in science and innovation for many years and Britain looks forward to strengthening and deepening this partnership to help drive economic growth and deliver social and developmental goals, he said.

IMTECH Director Dr Anil Koul highlighted achievements of CSIR.