“There is a need for scientists to work as cohesive teams to achieve the desired translational outcomes. Today’s challenges require both individual brilliance (science) and collaborative translation (technology),” said Dr Kannan Srinivasan, Director, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar during the 67th Foundation Day programme of CSIR- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) held at CSIR-NEERI Auditorium on Tuesday. While delivering the Foundation Day address on ‘Importance of Collaboration and Partnerships in Science and Technology’, Dr Srinivasan shared the success stories to illustrate how collaboration can drive translational outcomes.

 

He emphasised the need to identify key areas for collaboration with potential stakeholders to create meaningful impact. He also expressed interest in working with CSIR-NEERI in areas of mutual interest. Dr Srinivasan said, “While the 20th century focussed on growth without considering sustainability, the 21st century is now centred on achieving growth with sustainability.” Citing a recent breakthrough, he informed that, while 99 per cent of the potassium used by Indian farmers was being imported, the extraction of potassium from spent wash represents a significant advancement. He also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing science and innovation. He concluded by underscoring the need to seize emerging opportunities by leveraging analogies and data analytics. To mark the Foundation Day, a series of programmes were held. Dr S Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI, presided over the function. In his welcome address, Dr Mohan outlined the significant achievements of the institute since its inception.

 

He also briefed on recent R&D outcomes, including major projects and bilateral programmes. He also shared details about some upcoming initiatives planned by the institute. CSIR-NEERI newsletter and brochure were released on this occasion. Dr Debishree Khan, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NEERI conducted the proceedings, and Prakash Kumbhare, Senior Principal Scientist, proposed a vote of thanks. Approximately 1,500 students from schools and colleges visited the institute, where they observed practical demonstrations and interacted with CSIR-NEERI scientists in the laboratories. A Science Model Competition was organised, and prizes were awarded to the winners. In the first category (Std VIII to X), the first prize was conferred upon Bhavan’s Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, Ashti (Khurd), for their model on ‘Upcycling Marigold Waste into Graphene’; second prize was awarded to The Blind Relief Association’s Mundle English Medium School for their model on ‘Solar Powered Smart Farming System’; third prize went to Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) CRPF for their model on ‘Air Pollution to Ink Convertor’; and consolation prize to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hindi High School NMC Hanuman Nagar for their model on ‘Water Level Alert System’.

 

In the second category (Std X to XII), the first prize was awarded to Bhavan’s Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, Srikrishna Nagar, for their model on ‘Green Tunnel with Safety Monitoring System’; second prize went to Sandipani Junior College for their model on ‘Waste and Water Management to Clean Sullage Water’; third prize to ‘J N Tata Parsi Girls’ High School for their model on ‘Air Purifier: Carbon Rod Electroswing Adsorption System’; and consolation prize was conferred on Army Public School, Kamptee for their model on ‘Production of Biofuel from Algae’. CSIR-NEERI officials were awarded the Foundation Day awards for their outstanding contributions. Dr Rima Biswas Mondal, Roshan Wathore, Satish Lokhande, Satyendra and others were felicitated during the event. A voluntary blood donation camp was also organised during the event.