CHANDIGARH:CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh today celebrated its 36th Foundation Day by organizing several events including the much anticipated Foundation Day Lecture. Prof J. Gowrishankar, Director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali delivered this year’s Foundation Day Lecture on the progress of genetics in bacterial ribonuclease E. ProfGowrishankar who is a Padma Shri and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne, Australia.Prof. Sarit K. Das, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar also presided over the function.
During his lecture, ProfGowrishankarhighlighted that the absence of RNase E is lethal to the growth of the bacterial cells. The lecture focused on understanding the mechanism of RNase E which is one of the crucial enzymes having RNA degradation activity. RNase E which is present in many bacterial species such as E.coli is crucial for RNA turnover and thus essential for the viability of E.coli. He also discussed the potential implications of the recessive resurrection on genetic studies in other model organisms and in humans.
DrManojRaje, Officiating Director, CSIR-IMTECH while welcoming the guests and faculty to IMTECH’s foundation day gave a brief background of CSIR-IMTECHand apprised the audience with the institute’s achievements during the last year. He highlighted the inauguration of Merck High-End Skill Development Centre and approval of a grant from BIRAC to set up a new cGMP facility for microbial cell banks as steps toward creating world-class facilities in the institute. He also lauded the efforts of scientists and researchers as the institute received one of the highest extramural funding during the recent years.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Raje said, “ IMTECH has held on to the philosophy that Science drives Technology and Technology Drives Science which has been the driver of all major research and development happening in the institute”. The increased engagements with the industry are a testimony to this philosophy which also strengthens the industry-academic partnership. He further added that since India is a country today with 65 percent of its youth in the working-age group (15-59 years), Merck High-End Skill Development Centre will help in increasing the employability opportunities of the students through this initiative of IMTECH.
On this occasion, the Institute also felicitated its students for the best Ph.D. thesis and best Ph.D. presentation award 2019 with a certificate and cash award for their outstanding performances.
CSIR-IMTECH is a national center for excellence in microbial sciences and was established in 1984. IMTECH’s vision is to discover and develop translational products and new drugs to address key unmet medical needs.