Page 136 - CW E-Magazine (30-1-2024)

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CSIR-NCL FOUNDATION DAY LECTURE
Equipments
‘Inculcating scientifi c temper in industrial R&D is critical’ Equipments

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
(CSIR-NCL), Pune, celebrated its 74th
Foundation Day on January 3, 2024.
Dr. Naushad Forbes, Co-Chairman,
Forbes Marshall, presided over the
event as the Chief Guest and delivered
a stimulating oration on the role of R&D
in Indian innovation ecosystem.

In his address, Dr. Forbes highlighted
the pivotal role of innovation in India’s
future and the centrality of research and
development (R&D) in the innovation
process.

He emphasised three crucial elements
for fostering innovation in the country:
increased overall investment in R&D
in public and private sector; a fi ve-fold
increase in in-house R&D in the industry;
and an eight-fold increase in public
research funding within the higher educa-
tion system.

Essential connection between industry
and research institutions
Dr. Forbes highlighted the essential
connection between industry and
research institutions, urging CSIR-NCL
to prioritize collaborative efforts with
industry as well as educational institutions.
He stated that industrial innovation typi-
cally begins with market needs and cul-
minates in bringing products or services 43
to the market. This effort is mostly based
on “known scientifi c knowledge.”
to stay competitive,” he observed. Dis- Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-
“Although cutting edge scientifi c cussing the role of education, Dr. Forbes NCL, in his address provided a com-
research may appear to have limited role emphasised that research universities prehensive overview of the laboratory’s
in supporting such innovation, it must be exist to seek knowledge, and their true achievements in 2023, highlighting
realised that research done sometime in impact lies in the knowledge that students breakthroughs in scientifi c contributions
the past has actually created that ‘known carry beyond the university’s doors. and the various thematic technology
knowledge’, and is therefore invaluable. development programmes of the lab.
Inculcating scientifi c temper in industrial Platinum Jubilee celebrations As part of the celebration, the NCL
R&D is critical to ensure that the knowl- The event also served as a curtain-raiser Research Foundation Awards for Scien-
edge existing in research and academic for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of tists and Staff for the year 2022-23 were
institutions can be utilised by industry CSIR-NCL. presented by Dr. Forbes.

136 Chemical Weekly January 30, 2024

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