The Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) in Chandigarh celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day on Saturday, with a powerful emphasis on proactive biodefence and pandemic preparedness. The event underscored the critical need for urgency and strategic foresight in responding to biological threats, positioning IMTECH at the forefront of India's scientific resilience efforts.
Keynote Address: A Call to Action for Future Threats
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Vinod K Paul, a member of NITI Aayog, spoke on "Future Pandemic Preparedness: What we must do now." He stressed that the country must approach biological threats with the same seriousness as warfare, highlighting the lessons learned from recent global health crises. Dr Paul praised IMTECH's significant contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included:
- RT-PCR testing to enhance diagnostic capabilities
- Antiviral screening for potential treatments
- Development of a subunit protein-based vaccine
Roadmap for Rapid Response and Research
Outlining a strategic roadmap for the future, Dr Paul called upon scientists to develop strategies and medical countermeasures that can be deployed within the first 100 days of a new outbreak. He emphasized the need to shift focus to research on priority pathogens, with countermeasures advanced up to Phase-II clinical trials. This approach, he noted, should involve collaboration with industry partners to ensure a resilient supply chain and swift implementation.
IMTECH's Vision and Expanding Research Footprint
Reinforcing this vision, IMTECH director Dr Sanjeev Khosla stated that "Innovating with Microbes and Impacting Lives" continues to guide the institute's work. He highlighted IMTECH's expanding research footprint in critical areas, including:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), addressing a growing global health concern
- Bioremediation, focusing on environmental sustainability
- Natural farming, promoting agricultural innovation
- Neurodegenerative diseases, advancing medical research
Industry Engagement and Global Collaborations
The institute's growing industry engagement was a key highlight of the event. IMTECH's Business Development Group signed two confidentiality disclosure agreements, marking significant partnerships with:
- Praj Industries Ltd, based in Pune, India
- Henkel AG & Co, a global company from Germany
These collaborations aim to foster innovation and translate research into practical applications, strengthening India's position in biotechnology.
Open Day: Inspiring the Next Generation
As part of the celebrations, IMTECH organized an Open Day, inviting students and science enthusiasts from the Tricity region. This initiative allowed participants to interact with researchers and gain valuable insights into the practical applications of biotechnology, inspiring future scientists and promoting public engagement with science.
The 42nd Foundation Day at IMTECH not only commemorated past achievements but also set a forward-looking agenda, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, research, and collaboration in safeguarding public health against emerging biological threats.
