To write about an Institute which dates back 109 years is always a tough task. For the Staff of such a premier Institute, it is all the more difficult since it is impossible to talk about the largesse of the activities carried out here, on a small canvass.

As I occupy the Chair of the Head of this Institute, I take pleasure introducing various activities carried out here. As the name of the Institute goes, Training, Research and Testing are given equal importance.

The Institute has been conducting the Annual Biotechnology Course for three years running, catering to undergraduate students across the country. Till date, 600 students have benefited from the Course, not to mention the M.D, M.Phil, M.Sc and Ph.D. students from various colleges and Universities who have been trained in various techniques from our Departments.

The Institute is engaged in various research projects ranging from classical microbiology to modern-day biotechnology. Antibiotic sensitivity tests and bacterial load are evaluated in juxtaposition with protein and antibody purification. Multiple viruses like HIV, HSV, CMV, Rabies, Influenza and Hepatitis group are isolated, identified, and evaluated.

Testing is a major revenue earner for the Institute. Anti-virals, anti-malarials, anti-bacterials are tested on one hand, while on the other, country liquor, disinfectants and detergents are tested for toxicity.

The Chemical Testing Unit of the Institute carries out testing of alcohol, spirits, Indian Made Foreign Liquors (I.M.F.L.) and Country Liquors. These products are submitted by the Prohibition and Excise Department of the Government of Maharashtra and Customs Department of Government of India.

I believe that one and all in the scientific fraternity have heard about the development of the Nodal Centre for Re-emerging Diseases to be initiated in days to come. This is to be undertaken at the Department of Zoonosis at the Institute. In near future, a dream project of the Government of Maharashtra is being realised at the Haffkine Institute. This is the development of a BIOTECH HUB incorporating the Institute as a core facility. This HUB will bring together the three arms of research, Viz., the Scientists, the Corporates and the Infrastructural facility.

Dr. Abhay Chowdhary
Director, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing