IIT Kanpur's New Cryo-EM Facility Set to Revolutionise Structural Biology Research

IIT Kanpur has inaugurated its National Cryo-EM facility, enabling scientists to visualise biological molecules like proteins and viruses in near-native states with unprecedented resolution. Know details here

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has inaugurated its National Cryogenic-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) facility. This haa been established with support from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which is now integrated with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The Cryo-EM facility was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The event was attended by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Dr. Dipti Kakkar Thukral, Scientist G, DST_ANRF; Dr. T Thangaradjou, Scientist F, DST_ANRF; and Prof. Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs at IIT Kanpur, among others.

Cryogenic-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) Facility

Cryo-EM allows scientists to visualise biological molecules, such as proteins and viruses, in their near-native states with unparalleled resolution. This detailed visualisation is essential for understanding fundamental life processes and developing new drugs and therapies. The state-of-the-art facility at IIT Kanpur represents a significant milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in life science research, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It is one of four high-end facilities strategically located nationwide to support research and groundbreaking discoveries in structural biology.

With its specialised focus on membrane proteins, a class of proteins in living organisms that represent the most accessible drug targets for numerous human diseases and infection by deadly pathogens including bacteria and viruses, the Cryo-EM facility will conduct research on a vast array of drugs to position it at the forefront of drug discovery and development efforts in India.

Earlier, Indian structural biology researchers had to travel abroad and depend on foreign institutions for advanced technology. This new facility will eliminate those limitations by providing readily accessible state-of-the-art technology within the country. This advancement brings India a step closer to becoming self-reliant in life science research, aligning with the Indian government's vision of positioning the nation as a global leader in scientific research and innovation.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India said, "The inauguration of this National Cryo-EM facility at IIT Kanpur is a critical milestone for Indian science that will help to push the boundaries of technology to unravel the complexities of biological systems and open up new frontiers in drug discovery, disease research, and beyond. We excitedly look forward to the ground-breaking discoveries that will undoubtedly emerge from this new facility."

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “The establishment of the National Cryo-EM facility at IIT Kanpur signifies our commitment to nurture and support cutting-edge research. This is a testament to our commitment towards empowering the next generation of scientific leaders with the infrastructure and tools they require to not only accelerate scientific discoveries but also contribute to the development of novel therapies for the benefit of humanity.”

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