Bhubaneswar: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) marked its Foundation Day on Monday with active participation from current and former staff, students, and guests from other laboratories.
The institute, originally established as the Regional Research Laboratory on April 13, 1964, has evolved into a leading centre for research in minerals, metals, and materials technology.
The main function took place at the institute auditorium. Director Ramanuj Narayan delivered the welcome address and outlined key achievements during the last financial year. He highlighted the creation of new facilities and pointed to emerging research areas, including decarbonisation and critical minerals, according to an official statement.
He appreciated the efforts of scientists and staff and urged them to take research outcomes beyond laboratories and academic publications. He said the scientific community should work towards translating knowledge into national progress in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat. He also referred to ongoing collaborations between National Aluminium Company Limited and CSIR-IMMT and thanked the chief guest for attending the event.
The Foundation Day lecture was delivered by Jagdish Arora, Director (Projects and Technical), NALCO. He highlighted challenges faced by the aluminium industry, including limited availability of indigenous smelter technology and the need for effective utilisation of industrial waste such as red mud and fly ash. He encouraged young researchers to adopt advanced tools, including automation and AI/ML, and to focus on converting laboratory research into practical industrial applications.
Trupti Das, Head of Human Resource Development, presented an overview of HRD initiatives carried out during the year. She noted that programmes such as JIGYASA, skill development initiatives, internships, and AcSIR PhD programmes have benefited participants from school level to professionals.
On the occasion, the Hindi magazine Abhibyakti was released. A technology developed by a team led by S K Singh and Debidutta Debasish on ultra-high temperature ceramic was transferred to a Bhubaneswar-based firm.
Winners of the MGK Menon Tournament and SSBMT Indoor Tournament 2025 were felicitated during the event.
