The Hindu : Karnataka News : IISc. to use grant to augment research

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 02, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

IISc. to use grant to augment research

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, MARCH 1. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) is delighted by the Union Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram's announcement that steps will be taken to upgrade its facilities and develop it into a world class institution on a par with Oxford and Cambridge, as well as with the grant of Rs. 100 crores.

"We are very happy that this gift came to us on an auspicious day for scientists (Monday was National Science Day)," said the Director of the institute, Goverdhan Mehta, reacting to the Union Budget.

Recognition

Prof. Mehta said he believed that the grant is "symbolic of the Government recognising the efforts of the institute in its longstanding efforts in the promotion of science and technology and research."

The budget windfall of Rs. 100 crores over its existing Rs. 150-crore corpus would help immensely in improving facilities, he said.

Replying to a question, Prof. Mehta said the allocation will be used to augment funds in ongoing research areas, in areas of research where the institute's inputs are sub-critical and in improving the physical infrastructure.

Although happy with the grant, he said the institute never depends on the Government for funds and will look to outsource funds from other projects as usual.

Prof. Mehta said newer areas of research as well as the scope of Ph.D. programmes will be expanded with the funding. At present, the institute is focussing on research in nanotechnology and vaccine development. The discovery of carbon nanotubes by the institute has been patented. "We are developing a technology for the future with nanotechnologies," he said.

The institute is at an advanced stage of developing a rabies vaccine as well as a tablet for the treatment of malaria. The institute has identified a new target in the parasite, which is a potential lead for a new type of treatment.

At present, there are 1,200 students pursing doctoral programmes at the institute, and they are mentored by 400 faculty members. Every year, over 400 undergraduate students work at the institute during the summer.

World class

"A world-class institution is made not merely by the granting of funds but by the development of outstanding minds. In this sense I would like to believe that IISc. is already world class," Prof. Mehta said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News Update

Stories in this Section