Kyoto University and IIT Roorkee Inaugurate IN-CBI, Strengthening India-Japan Scientific Collaboration
On November 11, 2024, the inauguration ceremony of the INitiative for INtelligent ChemBioInformatics (IN-CBI) was held at iCeMS. This laboratory, established at iCeMS in collaboration with IIT Roorkee, is part of Kyoto University's On-Site Laboratory initiative aimed at fostering global research partnerships.
The primary goal of the IN-CBI laboratory is to develop intelligent, programmable medical tools targeting age-related diseases. By combining chemistry, cell biology, and information technology, the lab aims to create advanced tools that can revolutionize healthcare.
The day’s event began with a ribbon-cutting and lab sign unveiling held in front of the new laboratory, followed by a tour led by Prof Ganesh Pandian Namasivayam, the chair of the iCeMS Principal Investigator Board and the head of the newly established lab.
After the tour, the ceremony moved to the auditorium for the formal opening program, moderated by Mahima Kumar, a doctoral student from the Namasivayam Group. Kyoto University President Nagahiro Minato highlighted the importance of collaborating with India in expanding the university's research potential. Deputy Chief of Mission R Madhu Sudan from the Embassy of India spoke about India's achievements in science and celebrated the strong partnership with Japan. Consul General of India Chandru Appar from Osaka-Kobe shared his hopes for fostering student exchanges and institutional collaboration through this initiative.
iCeMS Director Prof Motonari Uesugi, dressed in an Indian formal vest to honor the partnership, introduced iCeMS' interdisciplinary approach through the principle of self-assembly. Prof Namasivayam elaborated on IN-CBI’s mission and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the establishment of the laboratory, acknowledging the collective effort that made the initiative possible. IIT Roorkee Director Prof Kamal Kishore Pant emphasized his institution’s focus on sustainability and its enthusiasm for collaboration with Kyoto University.
The celebration concluded with an Indian teatime, beginning with a beautiful piano performance by Dr Gengo Kashiwazaki, a research associate in the Namasivayam Group. Participants engaged in discussions about future collaborations, reflecting the event’s role in symbolizing the strong cultural and scientific ties between India and Japan and paving the way for impactful advancements in science and technology.
