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