Bhubaneswar: Nalco Director (Project & Technical) jagdish the Arora urged young researchers to actively engage in reverse mentoring, adopt advanced tools such as automation and AI/ML, and focus on translating laboratory research into field-level applications for industrial use. He was delivering the Foundation Day Lecture of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, as chief guest, here on Monday,

In his address, Arora highlighted key challenges faced by the aluminium industry, including the limited availability of indigenous smelter technology and the effective utilization of industrial wastes such as red mud and fly ash..

Established originally as the Regional Research Laboratory on 13th April 1964, CSIR-IMMT continues to stand as a premier research institute in the field of minerals, metals, and materials technology.

CSIR-IMMT Director, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan presented a comprehensive overview of the institute’s activities and achievements during the last financial year. He highlighted the establishment of new facilities and emphasized emerging R&D focus areas, particularly in decarbonization and critical minerals. Appreciating the dedicated efforts of scientists and staff members, he encouraged them to extend the impact of their research beyond academic publications and laboratory boundaries. In a poetic note, he urged the scientific community to transform knowledge into national progress, contributing meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. He also spoke about the ongoing collaborations between NALCO and CSIR-IMMT

Dr. Trupti Das, Head of Human Resource Development (HRD) Dept, presented an overview of HRD activities carried out during the year where starting from human resource from school level to professionals are getting benefitted through JIGYASA, Skill development, Internship and AcSIR PhD programs.

On this occasion, the Hindi magazine “Abhibyakti” was formally released.

A technology developed by team lead by Dr. SK Singh and Debidutta Debasish “Zirconium Diboride –Silicon Carbide ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) from Zircon sand” was transferred to M/S Regenius Technologies, Bhubaneswar.

Dr. L.D. Besra, Scientist G and Head of the MCIE Department, also spoke on the occasion.