Lucknow: The 85th Foundation Day of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was organized at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow with a celebration that brought together scientific innovation, young minds and the Institute’s commitment to research for societal benefit.
The programme was graced by Dr S.P. Vasireddi, Executive Chairman, Vimta Labs Ltd., Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Dr Bhaskar Narayan, Director, CSIR-IITR.
At the outset, Dr Rajnish Chaturvedi, Scientist G & Chairperson of the Organizing Committee called upon the CSIR scientific community to work towards finding “scientific solutions for society”, underlining the responsibility of science to address real-world challenges. Dr K.C. Khulbe, Scientist G, CSIR-IITR, introduced the Chief Guest to the audience.
In his address, Dr Vasireddi emphasized that successful science must create not only business value but also societal value, with scientists keeping people at the centre of innovation. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond publications towards collaborations, technology scale-up, manufacturing capabilities and large-scale deployment. He noted that emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, advanced computing, personalized healthcare, telemedicine, low-cost diagnostics and next-generation risk assessment will shape the coming decade, and called for stronger startup–industry–research partnerships to translate promising ideas into societal impact.
The Chief Guest also visited the science exhibition, in which scholars from Modern School and the Ayurvedic College participated. He also planted a Ficus species sapling in loving memory of his mother, adding a personal and environmental dimension to the occasion.
An important highlight of the programme was the exchange of Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) with startups and technology incubatees, reflecting the Institute’s efforts towards translating research into applications and fostering an innovation ecosystem. From CSIR-IITR, Dr Rachana Kumar and Dr K.C. Khulbe facilitated the exchange.
The programme also featured the distribution of prizes to winners of the essay competition conducted for the wards of CSIR-IITR employees, staff and scholars. Employees who completed 25 years of service in CSIR and retiring employees were also honoured for their contributions and association with the organization.
In his presidential remarks, Dr Bhaskar Narayan, Director, CSIR-IITR, emphasized that scientists must remain passionate, creative and scientifically enriching to stay relevant to society. He observed that “Science will teach us perseverance.”
Dr Ratan Singh Rai delivered the vote of thanks, while Dr Bhumika Ray served as the Master of Ceremony.
