Defence Research and Development Establishment
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Established | 1973 |
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Director | Dr. R. Vijayaraghavan |
Location | Gwalior, MP |
Address | Tansen Rd., Gwalior-474 002 |
Operating Agency | DRDO |
Website | DRDE Home Page |
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Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE) is an Indian defense laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). Located in Gwalior, it is primarily involved in the research and development of detection and protection against toxic chemical and biological agents.[1] DRDE is organized under the Life Sciences Directorate of DRDO. The present director of DRDE is Dr. R. Vijayaraghavan.
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[edit] History
In 1924, the Maharaja of Gwalior established a research laboratory to explore forest products and mineral resources. In 1947, the Jiwaji Industrial Research Laboratory (as the lab was known) was inaugurated by C. Rajagopalachari, the then Governor General of India. In 1966, it was taken over by the Ministry of Defence. As its research activities expanded, in 1973, JIRL was made a separate laboratory, and renamed as Defence Research & Development Establishment.[2]
[edit] Areas of work
DRDE is the primary defence laboratory involved in the development of NBC detection and protection systems. It conducts research in the fields of biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, Virology and toxicology. It conducts safety and toxicological evaluations of hazardous chemicals and materials.[3]
It also develops rapid diagnostic tests for pathogens and investigates preventive measures for the control of diseases. To protect from Chemical weapons, it also conducts research in the area of detection, protection and decontamination of hazardous chemicals.
[edit] Projects and Products
[edit] Technologies for Civilian use
As a by-product of its research, the lab also develops civilian applications of biotechnology, especially in human waste disposal, disease control, pest control, etc. As is common with DRDO laboratories, many of the technologies developed by DRDE are available for civil use and have been transferred to private sector.[4]
Technologies transferred to the civilian sector include diagnostic kits for Anthrax, Dengue,[5] Plague,[6] Malaria,[7], and other infections. It has also developed insecticides, pest repellents and water quality testing and purification kits.