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Type | Education and Research institute |
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Established | 1938 |
Parent institution | ICFRE |
Location | , , India 560003 13°00′40″N77°34′13″E / 13.011160°N 77.570185°E |
Campus | Urban : Spread over 25 acres (0.10 km2) |
Acronym | IWST |
Website | iwst |
Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) [1] is a Research institute situated in Bangalore in Karnataka. It works under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) [2] of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India. [3] It is recognized to be a Centre of Excellence for Sandalwood Research and Wood Science [4]
The Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), located in Bangalore, India, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in the early 20th century. The concept of establishing a dedicated forest research institution in Mysore State was first conceived by Dr. M. N. Ramaswamy and Dr. S. A. Kabir during their training as probationers of the Mysore Forest Service in Munich, Germany, from 1932 to 1935.
Upon their return, the duo faced initial resistance, as they were directed towards administrative roles. However, with the support of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Diwan of Mysore, and other influential officers, the establishment of the Forest Research Section was approved by the Government of Mysore in December 1935. Operations commenced on January 2, 1936, in a modest setting within the Mysore Agricultural Laboratories.
In 1937, Dr. Ramaswamy and Dr. Kabir were deputed to the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun to study its organizational structure. Subsequently, leveraging the unused depreciation fund of the Departmental Wood Preservation Plant in Bhadravati, they secured financing for the construction of the Forest Research Laboratory. The Government sanctioned the establishment in January 1938, and by October 17, 1938, the laboratory was inaugurated. Designed by renowned architect S. H. Lakshminarasappa and constructed under the supervision of engineer B. R. Garudachar, the building was completed in just nine months. Its strategic location near the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and other scientific facilities further enhanced its research capabilities.
During World War II, the laboratory played a crucial role in supporting the war effort by developing battery separators using indigenous tree species such as Adina cordifolia, Bombax malabaricum, and Michelia champak. Additionally, it actively participated in the Mysore Dasara Exhibition, showcasing forestry research advancements.
In the post-war years, the laboratory expanded its activities. By 1956, it achieved the status of a Central Government institution, becoming a regional research laboratory affiliated with FRI Dehradun. The campus also saw the establishment of the Sandal Research Centre and a Minor Forest Products Unit in 1977.
A significant milestone was reached in 1988 when the Forest Research Laboratory was upgraded to the Institute of Wood Science and Technology under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). Modernization efforts continued with the construction of the Van Vignan building in 1997, which now houses the laboratories and workshops. Today, IWST stands as a leading institution in forestry research, contributing to sustainable management and conservation of forest resources in India.
The Institute has the following facilities and expertise for rendering services to user industry and Government and non-government organisations:
A shore laboratory for studies on marine wood biodeterioration at Visakhapatnam has been established under World Bank aided Project. Additional land of 40 ha. has been acquired in Karnataka for establishment of germplasm bank, provenance, progeny trials, multiplication garden and seed orchards. A new ICFRE Research Centre with assistance from World Bank on a 100 acres land is being established at Hyderabad. [5]