Technological Innovations for Effective Pandemic Response

Dr. Harish Hirani is presently the Professor IIT Delhi. He has more than 140 research publications and 140 IPR (granted/ applied) in his credit. His book on ‘Fundamentals of Engineering Tribology with Applications’, published by Cambridge University Press has proven to be a success. He is Fellow of the Institute of Engineers (FIE) and member of ASME. He has organized and conducted more than 25 training courses for 1000+ engineering faculty and 300+ industry executives. With a robust research experience of more than 25 years, 20+ years teaching experience in IITs, more than 8 years of academic & scientific administrative experience and six months research experience at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA, Prof Hirani always strived to inculcate the culture of spreading science-awareness/technological-innovations among Scientists/ Researchers and learners for realising substantial socio-economic impact. He was Director of CSIR- Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) during 16.03.2016 to 15.03.2022. He is a firm believer of inclusive growth and paves the ways of technology transfer to micro and small enterprises so that common people are benefited. Even in crucial time of COVID-19, a number of technologies/products were developed to benefit the society. In his opinion, the technologies invented at government intuitions do not culminate into economic, user friendly, high-quality solutions, therefore a paradigm shift in attitude and action of scientists is the need of the hour to match with the dynamic highly competitive industry thriving on innovative solutions. There is a need to spread science awareness and use science of management economics to help farmers and small-scale manufacturing industries; and appropriately guide & motivate young minds to build a prosperous and self-reliant society.

1. Current Scenario of Pandemics and Challenges. 2. Innovative Technological Interventions to Combat Pandemic Proliferation. 3. Water, Sanitation, and Waste Management Solutions to Contain the Pandemic 4. Farm Mechanization as a Recovery Path Toward Sustainable Growth. 5. Manufacturing and Automation as a Reovery Path Toward Sustainable Growth 6. Conclusions