As part of CSIR’s “One Week, One Lab” campaign, CSIR- Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, conducted a series of weeklong activities from 11-16 September 2023.
The programme was formally inaugurated on 11 September 2023, by Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, Vice President of Technology & R&D at TATA Steel. The ceremony was graced by the presence of notable figures, including Prof. S Basu, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, Prof. Ashok Kumar Ganguli, Director, IISER Berhampur and Dr Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT. Prof. BK Mishra, Director of IIT Goa and Former Director of CSIR-IMMT, conveyed his greetings via a video message to CSIR-IMMT. A "Startup & IPR Conclave" was organised to kickstart the programme, focusing on engaging students and young entrepreneurs.
Day 2 was dedicated to the spotlight on “Minerals, Coal, critical Minerals, REE/PGE,” which are important for India's industrial growth, economic development, and employment opportunities. Mr SS Mohanty, CEO and MD of Essar Minmet Ltd, and Mr G Suresha, ED of Odisha Asset, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India Ltd, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively. Approximately 125 delegates representing Indian Mineral Industries, R&D institutions, government policy-making agencies, start-ups, MSMEs, and academia were invited to participate in this significant event and engage in discussions about the current status of the mineral industry in India and globally.
On day 3, 13 September, the programme revolved around Environment, Waste Management, and Pipeline Transport. The event was honoured by the presence of Smt. Sulochana Das, the BMC Mayor, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished dignitaries included Shri Pallava Bagla, a renowned science communicator, Prof. Amitav Das, Dean of Faculty Affairs at IISER Kolkata, and Shri SK Vasudevan, ED of SERPL, IOCL, Bhubaneswar. They interacted with scientists, students, and other participants from both industry and academia.
Day 4 was dedicated to the theme “Blue Economy”. This one-day conclave aimed to facilitate discussions on sustainable approaches and technological advancements for harnessing ocean resources. Eminent personalities including Prof. SK Singh, Director of CSIR-NIO, Goa, Dr GA Ramadass, Director of NIOT Chennai, and Dr (Mrs) SK Mishra, Director of CSIR-CGCRI, Kolkata, and experts in seabed minerals and ocean energy, participated in the Blue Economy event, fostering valuable interactions.
Day 5 primarily focused on functional materials for energy applications and featured brainstorming sessions on CRTDH empowering MSMEs. Prof. Manoj K Dhar, Director of AcSIR, was the Chief Guest, and Dr Sujata Chaklanobis, Scientist G & Head of CRTDH DSIR, was the Guest of Honour. Expert talks and round-table discussions led by panellists comprising industry experts and academia were conducted.
On day 6, the programme was dedicated to honouring the Research scholars of CSIR-IMMT through a Research Scholar’s conclave. During this event, scholars presented their research activities to eminent dignitaries from both industry and academia. Prof. MK Dhar, Director of AcSIR, addressed students and scientists. Special talks were delivered by Padmashree Prof. AP Dash (VC, AIPH University, Bhubaneswar) and Prof. AK Mahapatra (Former Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar) to inspire and motivate the scholars and students of the institute.
The programme also included poster presentations, model exhibitions, live demonstrations, lab and pilot plant visits, and theme-based panel discussions. Additionally, to cultivate a culture of curiosity and scientific temper among school students and their teachers, more than 1000 students from different schools and colleges visited central exhibits and various labs.
The valedictory function on the afternoon of Day 6 witnessed the presence of Shri MK Gupta, Joint Secretary of CSIR, as the Chief Guest and Prof. Siddharth Das, Former Principal of SCB Medical College, as Guest of Honour. About 150 superannuated employees of CSIR-IMMT were invited to this function, where they were honoured by Director Dr Ramanuj Narayan with mementoes. The event was attended by all CSIR-IMMT employees, other invitees, students, project staff, and the family members of the employees. During this gathering, two MOUs were signed with two reputable institutes.
