Over 200 students and faculty from Vibgyor Rise school, Pimple Saudagar visited Agharkar Research Institute on 22 April 2026. The group explored the Biodiversity and Paleobiology sections, with a special focus on fungi and lichens. The visit sparked curiosity and meaningful interactions, as students engaged with scientists and discovered the fascinating diversity and ecological importance of these organisms. An enriching experience that fostered scientific curiosity and learning among young minds.

महत्वपूर्ण उपलब्धि! आघारकर अनुसंधान संस्थान (ARI), पुणे को पर्यावरण, वन एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय (MoEFCC), भारत सरकार द्वारा जैव विविधता अधिनियम, 2002 के अंतर्गत डिज़िग्नेटेड नेशनल रिपॉजिटरी (DNR) का दर्जा प्रदान किया गया है। MACS सूक्ष्मजीव संग्रह (MCM), 1981 में स्थापित एक अवायवीय एवं चरमजीवी सूक्ष्मजीवों का एक प्रमुख भंडार है, जो WFCC से संबद्ध तथा WDCM (No. 561) में पंजीकृत है। नेशनल फंगल कल्चर कलेक्शन ऑफ इंडिया (NFCCI), 2008 में स्थापित, एक विशिष्ट जर्मप्लाज्म भंडार है, जो WFCC से संबद्ध तथा WDCM (No. 932) में पंजीकृत है। ARI में स्थित MCM और NFCCI अब एनारोबिक एवं एक्स्ट्रीमॉफिलिक सूक्ष्मजीवों तथा स्वदेशी फंगल विविधता के संरक्षण एवं प्रबंधन हेतु राष्ट्रीय रिपॉजिटरी के रूप में कार्य करेंगे। MCM वेबसाइट: mcm.aripune.res.in NFCCI वेबसाइट: nfcci.aripune.org Major Milestone! The Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune has been accorded the status of a Designated National Repository (DNR) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The MACS Collection of Microorganisms (MCM), established in 1981, is a leading repository of anaerobic and extremophilic microorganisms, affiliated with WFCC and registered with WDCM (No. 561). The National Fungal Culture Collection of India (NFCCI), established in 2008, is an exclusive germplasm repository, affiliated with WFCC and registered with WDCM (No. 932). Together, MCM and NFCCI at ARI will serve as national repositories for the conservation and management of anaerobic and extremophilic microorganisms and indigenous fungal diversity. MCM website: mcm.aripune.res.in NFCCI website: nfcci.aripune.org #जैवविविधता #भारतीयविज्ञान #DNR #MoEFCC @IndiaDST @DrJitendraSingh @karandi65 @DhakephalkarP @NFCCIARI @jangidk_ @mcm_aripune @NationalBiodiv

It was exciting to attend the Bharat Innovates Deep Tech Pre-Summit @BharatInnov2026 at @iitbombay, with Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India @PrinSciAdvGoI; Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Chairperson, Board of Governors, @iitbombay; Dr. Vineet Joshi @Vineet_K26, Secretary, Higher Education @EduMinOfIndia; and Prof. Shirish Kedare, Director, @iitbombay & IISc and IIT Directors, scientists, faculty, and innovators.

It was great to join distinguished global scientific leaders at the roundtable on “Science Diplomacy in the Era of Strategic Autonomy” during the launch of the Raisina Science & Diplomacy Initiative at the Raisina Dialogue @raisinadialogue being organized by Observer Research Foundation @orfonline and Ministry of External Affairs @MEAIndia. @PrinSciAdvGoI

We sincerely thank Secretary, DST @karandi65 for visiting Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, and for the valuable interactions with our scientists and students. The encouragement and appreciation of ARI’s research, facilities, and clean energy initiatives are deeply motivating and strengthen our commitment to national scientific priorities. @pkdhakephalkar @ari_pune

During a short trip to Pune, I visited the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune @ari_pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology @IndiaDST. Established in 1946 as the Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science (MACS), the institute was renamed in 1992 in honour of its founder Director, Prof. S. P. Agharkar.

Visited ICAR–National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Mau, Uttar Pradesh, and attended the 21st meeting of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) on 16 December 2025. It was amazing experience of interacting with scientists and students.

An engaging and insightful session on “Respect at Workplace” was successfully held on 12 December 2025 at the ARI Auditorium as part of POSH Awareness Week. The lecture by Adv. Divya Chavan-Jachak, also a member of ARI’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), encouraged open dialogue and enhanced understanding of respectful, safe, and inclusive work environments. The interactive discussion and active participation made the programme truly impactful, reinforcing ARI’s commitment to fostering dignity and professionalism at the workplace.

I am honored to have been elected as a Fellow of the Association of Fungal Biologists in recognition of excellence in mycology. I sincerely thank AFB for this esteemed recognition, and my mentors, colleagues, collaborators, and students for unwavering support and encouragement.

There’s nothing more exciting than curious young minds! Students visited the ARI stall, sparking lively discussions and fresh perspectives. The future of science looks bright. #IISF2025

The concluding day at #IISF2025. Each day brought new faces, new questions, and new learning — and today was no different. Sharing glimpses from another enriching and inspiring day.

Another day, more energy, more curiosity, more inspiration! Glimpses of today from the ARI stall at #IISF2025.

Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune is excited to participate in the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 at Panchkula, Haryana! We are here to celebrate science, innovation, and learning with students, researchers and the public. Stay tuned for the glimpses from @ari_pune at #IISF2025

Agharkar Research Institute proudly celebrated Constitution Day with a thought-provoking guest lecture by Adv. Aditya Kedari, Assistant Professor, MIT ADT University, Pune. Topic: “Constitutional Values: The Ethical Compass of a Progressive India” The session offered deep insights into how constitutional principles—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—shape responsible citizenship, scientific progress, and ethical professional conduct. The ARI community participated with enthusiasm, reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Constitution in research, governance, and nation-building.

Strengthening Science–Industry Partnerships! A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, and ABM Knowledgeware Limited, Mumbai, to collaboratively develop an AI-based library for the identification and detection of selected plant-associated fungi in the field.

Second in India and among just about ten in the world. Inauguration of this State-of-the-art, NHP-ABSL-3 Facility at “National Institute of Immunology” #NII New Delhi marks a major breakthrough for India’s biomedical research ecosystem. A significant medical combat against emerging infectious diseases…promises another global lead for India.

Swachhta Hi Seva @ ARI Pune We celebrated cleanliness with: 2-Minute Speech – Sharing thoughts on hygiene & a clean environment Quiz Competition – Testing knowledge on cleanliness & sustainability Thanks to all participants for spreading the spirit of #SwachhtaHiSeva! Let’s keep our surroundings clean & green!

Tribute to Prof. S. P. Agharkar On this day, we solemnly remember Prof. Shankar Purushottam Agharkar (1884–1960), an eminent botanist, visionary educationist, and founder of the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune. Prof. Agharkar’s pioneering contributions to botany, taxonomy, and biodiversity studies laid the foundation for generations of scientific inquiry. His legacy continues to inspire us in our pursuit of excellence in science, innovation, and service to society. We pay our heartfelt homage to this great institution-builder whose vision gave shape to ARI, and whose life remains a guiding light for the scientific community. Respectful homage to Prof. S. P. Agharkar on his death anniversary.

Mycological Spectrum- happy to share that A total of eight papers were published in Mycological Spectrum. Website: mycologicalspectrum.org/. Author guidelines - mycologicalspectrum.org/auth… Reviewer guidelines - mycologicalspectrum.org/revi… Editor guidelines - mycologicalspectrum.org/edit…