By Tanmay Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, May 27, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) celebrated ‘CRF Day 2026’ on May 27, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, funding agencies, startups, and technology partners to showcase the institute’s cutting-edge research infrastructure and scientific collaborations.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the “CRF handbook” by IIT Delhi’s director, Prof. Rangan Banerjee.
The handbook provides a streamlined overview of the sophisticated facilities and capabilities available under IIT Delhi’s Central Research Facility.
World-class research infrastructure at IIT Delhi:
The CRF at IIT Delhi supports advanced research across a wide range of domains, including optical characterization, high-resolution imaging, biomedical applications, physical property measurement, and fabrication and elemental analysis.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Rangan Banerjee stated that the goal of CRF is to provide globally competitive and locally relevant research infrastructure with round-the-clock access for researchers and students across India.
Visitors at CRF day were introduced to several state-of-the-art research facilities, including a Cryo Electron Microscope operated under sophisticated analytical and technical help from the institute. The 300 kV Cryo-EM system enables near-atomic resolution imaging of biomolecules and cellular structure in their native frozen state.
During the event, an Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA) was also displayed. It can be used for precise elemental analysis of metals, minerals, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) can provide ultra-high magnification imaging for studying nanoscale structure and material defects.
The Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer (SCXRD) helps determine atomic arrangements in crystalline materials, aiding research in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) enables atomic-scale examination of materials, nanoparticles, and crystal structure.
The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) can be widely used in environmental testing, drug analysis, food safety, and forensic applications.
mPRAGATI serves as a national centre for the development, manufacturing, and testing of medical devices and technologies.
Strengthening India’s research ecosystem:
Prof. Manidipa Banerjee, Head of CRF IIT Delhi, said IIT Delhi hosts one of the country’s largest advanced research ecosystems spread across its Hauz Khas and Sonipat campuses.
She emphasized that CRF Day serves as a platform to connect academia, industry, and government stakeholders to encourage collaboration and innovation.
Industry partners, startups, MSMEs, educational institutions, and government agencies can access IIT Delhi’s advanced facilities through a transparent online booking system available at CRF IIT Delhi.
The CRF ecosystem aims to make world-class scientific infrastructure accessible to the broader research community and accelerate technology development, product innovation, translational science, and industry-academia collaboration.
Supporting India’s innovation goals:
The facilities are supporting research in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced materials, environmental sciences, and nanotechnology and deep-tech sectors.
The event also featured technical talks and poster presentations by CRF facilities, SATHI Foundation, and mPRAGATI, highlighting opportunities for collaborative research and innovation.
Through initiatives such as CRF, SATHI, and mPRAGATI, IIT Delhi continues to strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem and contribute toward innovation-led growth and technological self-reliance.
Also Read: IIT Delhi launches industry membership program to boost industry-academia collaboration.
EOM.
