Lucknow: The international conference EARTH 2025 (Environment and Risk Assessment for Toxicology and Health) was inaugurated at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, in a grand ceremony held on the institute lawns. The event brought together eminent scientists, academicians, policymakers, and industry leaders from across India and abroad to deliberate on cutting-edge developments in environmental health, toxicology, and sustainability.
The ceremony began with the inauguration of the scientific exhibition, showcasing advancements in analytical and toxicological research.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ravi Ram Kristipati, Secretary, ASTRA, announced the ASTRA Fellowships, which were subsequently presented by Dr. Bhaskar Narayan, Director, CSIR-IITR, and President, ASTRA, who also launched the ASTRA Local Chapter. The prestigious ASTRA Fellowships were conferred upon Dr. Miro Smriga, Executive Officer, M/s Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Japan; Dr. Kattesh V. Katti, Director, Institute of Green Nanotechnology, University of Missouri, USA; and Shri N. Venkateswaran, CEO, National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), India, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to science and research.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between CSIR-IITR and Waters India, reinforcing a long-term partnership to advance analytical research and innovation in environmental toxicology.
Mr. T. Anil Kumar, Vice President – India Commercial, Waters Division, virtually inaugurated the poster session and highlighted the importance of industry–academia collaboration in fostering innovation for a sustainable future. He emphasized Waters’ commitment to empowering research through cutting-edge analytical technologies that transform scientific insights into practical solutions for human and environmental health.
The EARTH 2025 Schedule was released by Shri N. Venkateswaran, CEO, National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), who addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour. He underlined the importance of strengthening environmental quality standards and robust risk assessment frameworks for ensuring public safety and sustainable industrial practices. Shri Venkateswaran also lauded CSIR-IITR’s leadership in advancing the nation’s toxicological research landscape.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, released the EARTH 2025 Abstract Book and 2026 Planner. In his address as Guest of Eminence, he underscored the growing significance of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex environmental and health challenges. He advocated for integrating data science, biotechnology, and toxicology to develop predictive models for effective environmental risk management.
The highlight of the ceremony was the release of Vish Vigyan Sandesh and the EARTH 2025 Souvenir, followed by the formal declaration of the conference open by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his keynote remarks, Dr. Kumar emphasized how climate change, human activity, and chemical exposure converge to create a new era of toxicological risk. The address has critical themes such as emerging water contaminants and AI-driven toxicology to air pollution, agricultural residues, occupational hazards, and the disproportionate impacts on women, children, etc. it calls for a paradigm shift: integrating toxicology into climate and health policy, advancing real-time biomonitoring and AI analytics, modernizing instrumentation, and nurturing translational research to bridge lab discoveries with policy action. With examples from Kasaragod etc, the keynote urges collective commitment and a roadmap for prevention, transparency, and environmental justice to ensure that no community, worker, or child bears the invisible burden of toxins again. The pivotal role of science in ensuring food and environmental security and encouraged young researchers to pursue translational and policy-oriented research with societal impact.
The dignitaries were felicitated by Dr. Bhaskar Narayan, who, in his presidential address, emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to tackle pressing global challenges in environment and public health. He noted that EARTH 2025 serves as a dynamic platform for integrating scientific innovation, technology, and policy toward sustainable development.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kausar M. Ansari, Convenor, EARTH 2025.
With its diverse participation and focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, EARTH 2025 set the stage for transformative discussions and partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable and healthier environmental solutions for the future.
The inaugural event was followed by a vibrant cultural programme by Mudraakriti in collaboration with Punaraakriti performing arts which enthralled the audience.
