CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, organised the “One Week, One Lab” programme during 22-27 May 2023. It aimed to showcase the laboratory's cutting-edge research, expertise, and facilities to its diverse stakeholders. The highlight of this programme was an exhibition gallery that showcased the excellence of scientific contributions and the relevance of the technological contributions of CSIR-NCL. A start-up expo was also organised in which 30 start-ups incubated at Venture Centre exhibited their cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.

Chief Guest Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman, Praj Industries Limited, inaugurated the campaign and addressed the gathering on 22 May 2023. The programme was graced by distinguished guests like Dr RA Mashelkar, Dr Shekhar Mande, Dr S Sivaram, Shri Ranjeet Singh Naik-Nimbalkar (MP) and Mr Jitendra Wagh (Addl Commissioner, PCMC).

The week-long campaign included thematic talks, panel discussions, symposium, four skill development programmes, open day for general public, and science outreach programme for school students. The campaign focused on six key themes of the laboratory’s roadmap: C1 Chemistry, Sustainable Chemical Industry, Clean Energy, Biomass, Agritech, Biotherapeutics, and Circular Economy.

The theme for the first day was C1 Chemistry, which focused on technologies for converting four important one-carbon atom molecules namely, carbon dioxide, methane, methanol and carbon monoxide into valuable chemicals and materials.

Dr Sebastian C Peter, Associate Professor, JNCASR, Bengaluru; Dr Dev Kumar Gupta, Thermax Global; Dr KA Subramanian, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; presented keynote lectures. Besides, Prof. Sanjay Mahajani, IIT Bombay; Dr Thipse, Sr Deputy Director, ARAI; Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, IUCAA, Pune; and Dr Alok Pandit, CEO, Equinox; also participated in the panel discussion.

In the Sustainable Chemical Industry theme, a series of lectures were conducted to discuss innovative research and developments in flow chemistry and process intensification. Emphasis was placed on reducing the environmental footprint of chemical processes by adopting of cleaner and more efficient technologies.

The session was enlightened by lectures from Prof. JB Joshi, DAE-Homi Bhabha Distinguished Chair; Mr Ravi Raghavan, Editor at Chemical Weekly; Mr Karunanidhi Gnanavelu, Anthem Biosciences Pvt. Ltd; and Mr Lanka Srinivas, a key opinion leader. CSIR-NCL scientists including Dr Amol Kulkarni, Dr Sanjay Kamble, Dr Nilesh Mali, also presented their work at NCL.

A parallel fun-filled event ‘Avekshan’ was organised by research students from ‘NCL-TEC & SciLogy’ clubs. The major attraction of this programme was 3MT (3 Minute Thesis) event where the participants made attractive presentations of their doctoral research in three minutes.

The fourth day outlined two themes viz., “Clean Energy” and “Biomass” which address environmental challenges and climate change. The Clean Energy session revolved around enhancing the efficiency and scalability of green hydrogen technologies and biofuels. Dr Mahesh Murthy, Thermax, delivered a keynote talk on “Partnering with Industries in their Energy Transition Journey: New Developments.” CSIR-NCL scientists including Dr CS Gopinath, and Dr K Selvaraj, threw light on green hydrogen production and the hydrogen economy.

The Biomass theme was centred on utilising biomass as a valuable resource for energy production and value-added materials. Dr Pramod Kumbhar, Praj Industries; Dr Rajesh Date, Primove Ltd; and Dr Narendra Mohan, National Sugar Institute; presented key lectures. CSIR-NCL scientists including Dr Kadhiravan Shanmughnathan, Dr Paresh Dhepe and Dr Mahesh Dharne spoke about R&D in ‘Biomass to value-added materials’. The session highlighted the potential of biomass conversion technologies. The importance of integrated biorefinery concepts and the role of biomass in a circular economy were also discussed.

A student outreach programme “Jigyasa” was also organised which included a fun-filled activity with hands-on experimental demonstrations. More than 100 students along with their teachers attended the programme.

On the fifth day, the Agritech session had an array of interesting lectures dedicated to revolutionising the agricultural landscape. Dr Narendra Kadoo, CSIR-NCL, summarised the research activities being carried out in CSIR-NCL under the Agritech Theme.

Experts like Dr Purushottam Lomate, Ajeet Seeds; Dr Sachin Joshi, BAIF; Dr Santosh Chavan, Govt-Social Partnership; gave excellent exposure to the expected future developments in this theme. This included innovative approaches to improve crop productivity, enhance agricultural practices, and ensure food security. Experts also discussed precision farming techniques, smart sensors, data analytics, and the use of biotechnology in agriculture. CSIR-NCL scientists Dr Udaya Kiran Marelli, and Dr Dhanasekaran S, discussed the current research activities being undergone in their groups and their importance.

Under the Biotherapeutics theme, experts and researchers gathered to unveil cutting-edge advancements in medical treatments, therapies, and biotherapeutic innovations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, BJ Govt Medical College; Dr Mayur Giri, Assistant Professor, MUHS RC; Dr Sanjay Nene, Innovation Biologics; Dr Sindura Ganapati, Office of PSA GoI; Dr CS Yajnik, KEM; Dr Chaitanyanand Koppiker, Prashanti Cancer Care Mission; touched diverse topics ranging from genomics and diabetes to public health.

The theme for the concluding day was ‘Circular Economy.’ Dr Sameer Chikkali, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NCL, delivered a lecture on ‘Plastic Pollution to Sustainable Solution.’ Dr Swapan Kumar Ray, ICPE; Dr Medha Tadpatrikar, Rudra Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd; Dr Venkataraghavan R, Unilever R&D; delivered insightful lectures focusing on promoting a sustainable and resource-efficient economic model.

During the campaign, CSIR-NCL also organised four short skill development programmes on X-ray diffraction, Food Safety and Quality Assessment, Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in which the participants got a flavour for each of these areas and were enticed to enrol in longer versions of these courses.

The campaign at CSIR-NCL provided a comprehensive platform for industry experts, entrepreneurs, think-tank leaders, policymakers, students and citizens at large to learn about the work being done in the laboratory, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for collaborations in the seven key themes, which focus on important challenges such as climate change, energy security, pollution, affordable healthcare and supply chain disruptions. The campaign’s success was exemplified by nearly 2900 registered visitors and significant media coverage.

During the campaign, the institute also signed several MoUs with different organisations.