PANGEMTECH - Panjikar Gem Research & Tech Institute – a new facility dedicated to study and research in gemology, has opened in Pune; a project spearheaded by Dr. Jayshree Panjikar, an internationally recognized leading gemmologist. The facility was inaugurated at the hands of Vice-Chancellor of Multiversity, Prof. Dr. Pramod Talgeri on 25th February 2011. %% Dr. Talgeri in his inaugural address noted that the institute has opened a new avenue for research in the creative profession. Facilities like these were needed by the Indian gem and jewellery industry, which holds a long tradition in gemstones and so far had only a few Centers of Excellence. He further appreciated Dr. Jayshree Panjikar for having ‘initiated a rare area of scientific research and development in gemmology’. %% The institute will also offer a gemmological training centre for advanced gemmolgy courses, besides various research projects involving identification of treatments done on gemstones and diamonds. Together with her son Mr. Aatish Panjikar, Chief-Gemmologist, ISO 9001:2008 certified Pangem Testing Laboratory, Dr. Jayshree Panjikar would be leading the operations of the institute. %% Dr. Pramod Talgeri also encouraged the institute to be a stepping stone for international research collaboration with leading universities and gemmological research institutions, to truly become a Center of Excellence in the rare science of precious stones.