People
Chairman
Prof. Amit Patra
Director
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
From the Desk of Chairman
It gives me immense pleasure to announce the successful establishment of “IIT(BHU)-IRMA Center of Excellence in Refractories” at the Department of Ceramic Engineering, IIT(BHU) in the year 2018. The center was established under a joint R & D agreement between the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, and the Indian Refractory Makers Association (IRMA) to fulfill the aim of improving academia-industry collaborations.
The center's primary goals are to develop state-of-the-art research facilities, create hands-on training programs, and incite advanced research in ceramics and composites in our institute while facilitating industries to carry out their research work jointly with IIT(BHU), Varanasi. The institute continues the legacy of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, who established Glass and Ceramic Technology courses in 1924.
The IIT(BHU)-IRMA center is equipped with dedicated testing facilities in refractories and high-temperature ceramics following national and international testing standards. This collaboration between IIT(BHU), IRMA, and industry aims to strengthen innovation, skill development, and research excellence aligned with national missions such as Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Director, IIT (BHU), Varanasi
IRMA Chairman
Mr. Parmod Sagar
From the Desk of IRMA Chairman
It was indeed a gratifying moment for us when Indian Refractory Makers Association joined hands with IIT BHU to open the IIT BHU IRMA Centre of Excellence for Refractories at the Ceramic Engineering Department, IIT BHU. The collaboration between universities and industry is highly sought after in today’s world order as a vehicle to enhance innovation through knowledge exchange.
Collaboration with industry is critical for academia to create scientific knowledge and obtain industrial data. In turn, collaboration with universities is crucial for organizations in securing fresh talent and providing knowledge-based solutions. IIT BHU being one of the premier institutes of the country, we look forward to it for sourcing new ideas and research directions suited to the refractory and allied industries.
It is important to recognize that while many students prefer emerging sectors, core industries like refractories remain essential for steel, cement, and power production. Without refractories, industrial growth is impossible. The Centre will play a key role in strengthening student interest in core engineering domains and addressing industry challenges with scientific rigor.
I wish the Centre all the best for the coming years.
Chairman, IRMA
Dean (Research & Development)
Prof. Rajesh Kumar
Dean (Research & Development)
(Professor, Department of Civil Engineering)
IIT (BHU), Varanasi
Contact Information
Dean (Research & Development)
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
Varanasi 221005
Email: dord@iitbhu.ac.in
Contact No.: +91 542 2367036
Fax: +91 542 2368428
Coordinator
Dr. Santanu Das
Associate Professor
Department of Ceramic Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh, India
Contact Information
Email: coordinator.irma@iitbhu.ac.in, santanudas.cer@iitbhu.ac.in
Phone: +91-542-716-5161 (O)
Fax: +91-542-2368428 (O)
Cell: +91-9918910417
Website: https://iitbhu.ac.in/rnd/irma
Members
Faculty members associated with IIT(BHU)-IRMA Centre of Excellence
Dr. Pritam Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Ceramic Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi
Dr. Ashutosh K. Dubey
Assistant Professor
Department of Ceramic Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi
Staff
Dr. Satyananda Behera
Lab Assistant
IIT(BHU)-IRMA Centre of Excellence
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shri Sunil Kumar Karna
Lab In-Charge
IIT(BHU)-IRMA Centre of Excellence
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India