Odisha Govt Engages Premier Research Institutions to Strengthen Science and Innovation Ecosystem

Bhubaneswar: Seeking to deepen cooperation between the government and the scientific community, the Odisha government on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with heads of leading central research and academic institutions to discuss ways to harness research and innovation for the state’s development.

The meeting, chaired by Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra at the State Guest House, brought together representatives from the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) and Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC).

During the discussions, the institutional heads briefed the Minister on their major research initiatives, ongoing projects and academic programmes. They also outlined key activities and collaborative programmes planned for the coming years.

Patra appreciated the role played by these premier institutions in advancing scientific research, technological innovation and higher education. He said closer engagement between the state government and research organisations would help translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for Odisha’s developmental needs.

Emphasising the importance of innovation-led growth, the Minister called for sustained collaboration in areas where research and technology can contribute to improving public services, strengthening industries and promoting socio-economic development.

Both the government and the participating institutions expressed their commitment to building long-term partnerships to promote scientific research, knowledge exchange and technology-driven development in Odisha.

Additional Principal Secretary of the Science and Technology Department Chithra Arumugam and other senior departmental officials also attended the meeting.