Neeri recognised as ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence

Nagpur: In a significant recognition of its contributions to public health, environmental epidemiology, and pandemic preparedness, the Environmental Epidemiology and Pandemic Management (EE&PM) Laboratory at CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-Neeri, Nagpur), led by Dr Krishna Khairnar, has been designated as an ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE). The recognition is effective from December 2025, following a competitive national selection process.

The ICMR-CCoE status is conferred on select institutions demonstrating sustained excellence in research, translational outcomes, and capacity building aligned with national health priorities. Dr Khairnar's lab was among only a handful of centres selected across the country, underscoring CSIR-Neeri's growing role in advancing interdisciplinary health and environmental research.


The latest recognition further strengthens the laboratory's international standing. Since 2024, the EE&PM lab has also been functioning as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre and Reference Laboratory for CoViNet, the global WHO network for coronavirus surveillance and response. In this role, the laboratory contributes to global pathogen surveillance, data generation, and scientific inputs critical for pandemic preparedness and response.

Dr Khairnar noted that the dual recognition by ICMR and WHO reflects the collective efforts of the research team and institutional support at CSIR-Neeri. He emphasised that the Centre of Excellence will focus on strengthening evidence-based interventions at the interface of environment, infectious diseases, and public health, while also supporting national and international collaborations.

The ICMR-CCoE designation is expected to enhance advanced research, training of young scientists, and policy-relevant outputs, contributing to India's preparedness for future health emergencies.

With its combined national and global mandates, the EE&PM laboratory at CSIR-Neeri is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping integrated approaches to environmental health and pandemic management in the coming years.