New Delhi, Dec. 21: Recently appointed Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, urged scientists at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, to engage students in industrial projects from the day they join the institute.
As the culture of the CSIR-IICT is technology-driven, doing so can be transformative, said DrChandrasekhar.He said, he will be available to guide the institute in all its scientific endeavours, and also will strive to make Hyderabad a true science hub of the country. He assured that promotion of CSIR would be an important agenda while he is at the DST, and ensure all scientific laboratories will work closely with DST.
Dr VM Tiwari, Director CSIR-IICT, and staff felicitated DrSrivari Chandrasekhar on assuming charge as Secretary of Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, during his maiden visit to the institute after taking over.
DrTiwari said, “CSIR-IICT has benefitted from the scientific progress of Dr Chandrasekhar, and now his services will be utilised for the scientific development of the country. Dr Chandrasekhar is among noted few from the CSIR family to be appointed Secretary DST.”He further added that CSIR-IICT under the leadership of Dr Chandrasekhar made great contributions in various fields including agro sector, pharmaceuticals and developed various technologies to combat COVID-19.
DrJagadeesh, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT, said Dr Chandrasekhar’s works focused on ‘Chemistry for a healthy society’ while his publications are mostly on affordable healthcare and eco-friendly chemistry. His contribution towards the adjuvant for Covaxin has raised the expectation impetus of IICT in delivering answers for societal benefit. He said, CSIR-IICT became popular due to its contributions to the welfare of the society under Dr Chandrasekhar’s leadership.
Dr D.Shailaja, Chief Scientist and Head of Business Development, said Dr Chandrasekhar through his visionary approach, ensured deployment of CSIR-IICT technology through various societal programmes reaching regions, including rural areas.
DrSrivari Chandrasekhar is a recipient of the Infosys Award, and the first CSIR – AV Rama Rao Chair 2020-2023 for exemplary contributions in translational research for the pharma sector. His team was awarded the 2021 CSIR Technology Award for their work on an adjuvant for Covaxin. Dr Chandrasekhar is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, Indian Academy of Sciences, and Indian National Science Academy.
Dr Chandrasekhar’s research highlights his passion and commitment to providing society affordable access to important drugs. Dr Chandrasekhar and his research group developed process technologies for repurposing drugs using indigenous key starting materials for limiting the spread of COVID-19. The technology for repurposing Favipiravir and a process to manufacture Remdesivir was a timely effort at that point of time when there were limited options to treat people affected with COVID-19 in India.
Dr Chandrasekhar’s research publications have been widely used by the industry. Dr Chandrasekhar and his team worked on the synthesis of Bedaquiline, the first drug approved by the FDA after a gap of over 40 years for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB through simpler transformations and higher yields to ensure ready availability, CSIR-IICT, the statement said. (India Science Wire)
