The Indian Institute of Toxicology Research was founded in the year 1965 by Prof. Sibte Hasan Zaidi with a vision to address the health issues related to employees working in factories and industrial plants.
Prof. Sibte Hasan Zaidi foresaw that the harmful effects of chemicals and toxins on environment and physical health will make a detrimental impact on the development of the nation in the long run. Therefore, he pressed for the need of extensive studies and trials to develop techniques for consistent industrial development. The institute was established as one of the constituent laboratories of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The institute acquired national importance by focusing on the health issues of the industrial workforce in a progressive economy. Groundbreaking studies and trials that were conducted during the early years were directly associated with the miners’ health particularly to respiratory diseases.
Background of Indian Institute of Toxicology Research
The premier organization adapted and progressed spectacularly with the addition of latest expertise and new activities. Research and development in toxicology field is at the juncture of transformation from conventional studies of animal research and histological assessments of animal tissues during the 1960s to high-techomic technologies in inter-disciplinary field of biology. The notion of biomarkers, substitute to animal models, predictive toxicology and mathematical modelling make toxicological research essential in protection of environment and human health.
Industrial Toxicology Research Centre was remodeled as Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in the year 2008 to support research activities in different areas of toxicology considering the patterned shift in the understanding of environmental and human health. The Indian Institute of Toxicology Research works to understand the pattern of action of latest chemical entities, genetically changed products and modified nanomaterials on different living systems for effective and safe utilization of new technologies and continued development.
Motto and Mission of Indian Institute of Toxicology Research
The motto of IITR is “Safety to Environment and Health and Service to industry”. The institute has made rapid advancements in the field of toxicology research to develop new products and technologies that will have a direct impact on the well-being of the human health and environment. As a leader in extensive toxicology research, the organization endeavors to alleviate human health issues and environmental problems. The primary goals of Indian Institute of Toxicology Research are:
- Safety assessment of chemicals utilized in industries, factories, agriculture as well as everyday life.
- Detailed action of pollutants/toxic chemicals.
- Occupational health hazards owing to direct exposure in mines, chemical plants, and agricultural fields.
- Remedial measures to protect environment and physical health from different types of pollutants and toxins.
- Gather, store and distribute information with respect to toxic chemicals.
- Quick diagnostic tests for related disorders caused by environmental and industrial chemicals.
- Provide a budding platform to aspiring students, entrepreneurs and scientists to address concerns and queries regarding toxicity/safety of additives, chemicals, additives and products.
- Effective human resource development for tackling complex environmental and industrial problems.
The Present State of Indian Institute of Toxicology Research
The institute is located in the heart of Lucknow at Mahatama Gandhi Marg. Budding students and experienced scientists can explore diverse toxicology research areas such as nanomaterial and nanotherapeutics toxicology, regulatory toxicology, environmental toxicology, food, drug and chemical toxicology to name a few at this premier institute of the city.
The institute researches on many national and international projects of significant importance related to environmental and human health issues. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure with latest tools and devices to carry out the toxicology researches. Many former professors and scientists of this elite institute have occupied reputed positions in top educational institutions across the world.
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