IIT Kanpur inaugurates National Cryo-EM facility to advance structural biology research

In a significant step towards augmenting India’s scientific research capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) recently inaugurated its National Cryogenic-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) facility. The facility, established with support from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), now integrated with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), was inaugurated by Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in the presence of Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; Dr Dipti Kakkar Thukral, Scientist G, DST_ANRF; Dr T Thangaradjou, Scientist F, DST_ANRF; and Prof Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur, among others.

Cryo-EM technology allows scientists to visualise biological molecules, such as proteins and viruses, in their near-native states and at unprecedented resolutions. This detailed view is crucial for understanding the fundamental processes of life and for designing novel drugs and therapies. “The facility at IIT Kanpur is a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in life science research in line with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision. It is one of four such high-end facilities in strategic locations across the nation to support research and ground-breaking discoveries in structural biology,” informed the statement.

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.”

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. The facility is equipped with a powerful 300 KV Cryo-EM microscope, sample preparation equipment, and advanced computational infrastructure for data analysis. “These resources will enable researchers to delve deep into the intricate world of biological molecules, revealing their structures and interactions in unprecedented detail,” added the statement.

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”

Having to earlier travel abroad and primarily depend on foreign institutions, this facility will enable Indian structural biology researchers to overcome these limitations readily making available access to advanced technology, making India one step closer to truly becoming self-reliant in the domain of life science research, aligning with the Indian government’s vision to position the nation as a global leader in scientific research and innovation.