“India has a long history of high quality research and development. Today, we not only have to see what the nation's technological needs are, but also what the nation may require in years ahead to maintain its global relevance”. These were the remarks made by the union minister of science, technology and earth sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal, while addressing the scientists of Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar. He reiterated his government’s firm commitment towards science funding and said in the XI plan period the budgetary allocation to S&T sector has been increased by three folds as compared to allocation made during X Plan period. Mr Sibal, a noted constitutional lawyer, suggested that the research establishments like IMMT, industry, academia, and government needed to work together for infrastructure and skill development so that the country’s scientific output matches with the best in the world. Elaborating on the future research agenda in the context of minerals and materials research, he emphasized the need for development of indigenous, environmentally sound, zero waste and cost-competitive technological solutions to harness the rich mineral base of Orissa. Earlier welcoming the minister, Prof. B. K. Mishra, Director presented an overview of IMMT’s recent research achievements. In response, Mr. Sibal lauded the efforts of IMMT scientists in forging successful research partnership with private industries and committed his ministry’s full support in all its future endeavors.