Warm greetings from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati.
It is a matter of great pride and privilege for me to serve as the head of this prestigious institution for the second term. IASST is a premier research and development organization under the auspices of the DST, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India that has a resolute objective of enhancing the stature of Interdisciplinary and physical and life scientific research worldwide for the benefit of the society. The IASST aims to be a center for world-class, peer-recognized research and for developing authoritative resources for state-of-the-art scientific information to advance scientific investigation and to meet the needs of the society. It, in its present form, is a testimony to the relentless commitment of our staff and faculty members and the continued support of DST, Govt. of India.
The institution is committed to its goals of advancing society and safeguarding the traditional cultures of the indigenous peoples thru the application of scientific knowledge. It is more than a dedication to research, it is an unrelenting pursuit of bettering the lives of the people it works with. IASST is happy to be associated with the values of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-sufficient India) and Vocal for Local projects as per the ambitious goals of the government. In addition to impact factors, publication citations, etc., we think it is important to give voice to the people living there and properly acknowledge the scientists whose research has contributed to solving social problems in the area.
In its mission to change society, the institution is much more than a center for the creation of knowledge. Anticipating the future, I would like to underscore the significance of collaboration among governments, regions, and nations. The rich exchange of information, expertise and culture that international partnerships have to offer is a prerequisite for sustainable progress in the ever-changing arena of complex scientific endeavors.
Northeast India is a treasure trove of untapped potential, rich in biodiversity and deeply rooted traditional knowledge. At IASST we have always said that the indigenous knowledge of our region is the answer to many of the vexing problems facing modern society. These numerous collaborations validate and rejuvenate our traditional fermented foods, making Northeast India an important player in the global bioeconomy. Local partnerships also help close the gap between planning and doing.
IASST hopes to be a beacon of hope in the future, a hub of cutting edge research and technology that helps build a stronger and more prosperous area it serves.
Lastly, I welcome thoughtful suggestions from across society and academia. It is thru our collective expertise and joint efforts that we can shape the future of IASST in a manner that is beneficial to science and society.
Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai Aai Axom!
Professor Ashis Kumar Mukherjee,
Ph.D, D.Sc., FNA, FASc., FNASc, FNAMS, FAScT, FRSB (London), FRSC (London)
J.C. Bose Research Grantee
Director