Hubbry Logo
Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchCouncil of Scientific and Industrial ResearchMain
Open search
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Community hub
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR; IAST: vaigyanik tathā audyogik anusandhāna pariṣada) is a research and development (R&D) organisation in India to promote scientific, industrial and economic growth. Headquartered in New Delhi, it was established as an autonomous body in 1942 under the aegis of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. CSIR is among the largest publicly funded R&D organisations in the world.[2] CSIR has pioneered sustained contribution to science and technology (S&T) human resource development in India.[3]

Key Information

As of 2013, it runs 37 laboratories/institutes, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Centres and 5 units throughout the nation, with a collective staff of over 14,000, including a total of 4,600 scientists and 8,000 technical and support personnel.[4] Although it is mainly funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, it operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.[5]

The research and development activities of CSIR include aerospace engineering, structural engineering, ocean sciences, life sciences and healthcare including diagnostics, metallurgy, chemicals, mining, food, petroleum, leather, and environmental science.[5]

N. Kalaiselvi is the present Director General of CSIR. She also serves as the Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.[6]

In terms of Intellectual property, CSIR has 2971 patents in force internationally and 1592 patents in force in India.[4] CSIR is granted more than 14000 patents worldwide since its inception. CSIR was awarded the National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2018 in the category "Top R&D Institution / Organisation for Patents and Commercialisation" by Indian Patent Office.

In late 2007, the Minister of Science and Technology, Kapil Sibal stated, in a Question Hour session of the Parliament, that CSIR has developed 1,376 technologies/knowledgebase during the last decade of the 20th century.[7]

History

[edit]

In the 1930s, the need for establishing research organisations for the development of natural resources and new industries in India began to emerge. Eminent citizens such as C. V. Raman, Lt. Col. Seymour Sewell and J. C. Ghosh had proposed the creation of an advisory board of scientific research. Sir Richard Gregory, then editor of Nature, was among the first people who officially reported to the British Government. After visiting scientific departments and universities in India in 1933, Gregory submitted to Samuel Hoare, Secretary of State for India, regarding the need of scientific organisation similar to the DSIR in Britain. Indian scientists at Calcutta and Bangalore initiated schemes to launch a National Institute of Sciences and an Indian Academy of Sciences, respectively. At the Fifth Industries Conference in 1933, the Provincial Governments of Bombay, Madras, Bihar and Orissa unanimously reiterated their demand for a co-ordinating forum for industrial research. Hoare advised the Viceroy, Lord Willingdon, to support the demand. However, in May 1934, Willingdon replied to Hoare saying, "The creation of a Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in India to promote the application of research to natural resources does not appear to be necessary." While the Indian DSIR was rejected, the colonial government provided a small concession. It instead offered to create an Industrial Intelligence and Research Bureau, which came into operation in April 1935 under the Indian Stores Department. The Bureau's limited resources (with a budget of ₹1.0 lakh per annum) made it impossible to initiate major research and industrial activities as had been hoped for; it was mainly concerned with testing and quality control.[8]

At the onset of World War II in 1939, the bureau was proposed to be abolished. Arguably, Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar became the most instrumental in the creation of CSIR in India.[9] As a member of Viceroy's executive council, and also of Commerce, he recommended that the Bureau should be terminated, not as a measure of economy, but to make room for a Board of Scientific and Industrial Research, which should be endowed with greater resources and wider objectives. It was by this persistence that the Board of Scientific and Industrial Research (BSIR) was created on 1 April 1940 for a period of two years. Mudaliar became the chair of the board. It was at this point that Bhatnagar was appointed to pilot the board, as the Director. The BSIR was allocated an annual budget of ₹5,00,000 under the Department of Commerce. By the end of 1940, about 80 researchers were engaged, of whom one-quarter was directly employed. Major achievements of BSIR included development of the techniques for the purification of Baluchistan sulphur anti-gas cloth manufacture, vegetable oil blends as fuel and lubricants, plastic packing cases for army boots and ammunition, dyes for uniforms and the preparation of vitamins, and the invention of a pyrethrum emulsifier and cream. In early 1941 Bhatnagar persuaded the government to set up an Industrial Research Utilisation Committee (IRUC) for translating results into application. The government then agreed to make a separate fund out of the royalties received from industry for further investment into industrial research. Mudaliar recommended that an Industrial Research Fund should be constituted, which would have an annual grant of ₹10,00,000 for a period of five years. This was accepted by the Central Assembly in Delhi at its session on 14 November 1941.

Then the constitution of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as an autonomous body was prepared under Mudaliar and Bhatnagar. Thus, CSIR came into operation on 26 September 1942. The BSIR and IRUC were incorporated into the advisory bodies to the governing body of the CSIR. In 1943 the governing body of CSIR approved the proposal of Bhatnagar to establish five national laboratories — the National Chemical Laboratory, the National Physical Laboratory, the Fuel Research Station, the Glass & Ceramics Research Institute and the National Metallurgical Laboratory. In 1944 in addition to its annual budget of ₹10 lakh, CSIR received a grant of ₹1 crore for the establishment of these laboratories. The Tata Industrial House donated ₹20 lakh for the chemical, metallurgical and fuel research laboratories.[8] The foundation for the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute at Kolkata was the first to be laid, in December 1945; National Metallurgical Laboratory at Jamshedpur in November 1946; and that for the National Chemical Laboratory at Pune was the last, on 6 April 1947, four months before India became independent.[10] All the five establishments were completed by 1950.[9]

Organisation Structure

[edit]
  1. President: Prime Minister (Ex-Officio) [11]
  2. Vice President: Minister of Science & Technology, India (Ex-Officio)
  3. Governing Body: The Director General is the head of the governing body. The other ex-officio member is the finance secretary (expenditures). Other members' terms are three years.
  4. CSIR Advisory Board: 15-member body composed of prominent members from respective fields of science and technology. Its function is to provide S&T inputs to the governing body. Member terms are three years.

CSIR achievements

[edit]
A poster showing CSIR's combat mission against COVID-19

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize

[edit]
Main article: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize was established by CSIR in 1958. The prize is named after the Founder Director Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.

The nominees for the award are filtered out from the research categories of - Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Sciences & Physical Sciences.

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize comes up with a Citation, a Plaque & a Cash Award of 5 Lakh Rupees with the addition of a stipend of ₹15,000/- per month (till the age of 65).

Every year, the Award Selection Committee of CSIR presents the award to maximum 2 individuals from each research category. As per the stats, the SSB Prize has been awarded to 525 individuals for their exemplary work in Science & Technology.

The candidates must be:

  • Indian Nationality
  • Overseas citizen of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) working in India
  • The awardee must have made conspicuously important and outstanding contributions to human knowledge and progress – fundamental and applied – in the field of endeavour, which is his/her specialisation.
  • Upper Age Limit – 45 years.

The above criteria help CSIR Committee to select the eligible candidates for the award but the selection will be based on the results of selection procedure which is conducted by the Advisory Committee of CSIR.

Research laboratories under CSIR

[edit]

As of May 2024, there are 39 research laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 1 Innovation Complexes, and three units with a pan-India presence under CSIR in India.

Laboratory State City Year Established
AMPRI - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute Madhya Pradesh Bhopal 1982
4PI - CSIR Fourth Paradigm Institute Karnataka Bengaluru 1988
CBRI - CSIR-Central Building Research Institute Uttarakhand Roorkee 1947
CCMB- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Telangana Hyderabad 1977
CDRI - Central Drug Research Institute Uttar Pradesh Lucknow 1951
CECRI- Central Electro Chemical Research Institute Tamil Nadu Karaikudi 1953
CEERI - Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute Rajasthan Pilani 1953
CFTRI - Central Food Technological Research Institute Karnataka Mysuru 1950
CGCRI - Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute West Bengal Kolkata 1950
CIMAP - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Uttar Pradesh Lucknow 1959
CIMFR - Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research Jharkhand Dhanbad 2007
CLRI - Central Leather Research Institute Tamil Nadu Chennai 1947
CMERI - Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute West Bengal Durgapur 1958
CRRI - Central Road Research Institute Delhi New Delhi 1952
CSIO - Central Scientific Instruments Organisation Chandigarh Chandigarh 1959
CSMCRI - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute Gujarat Bhavnagar 1954
IGIB - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology Delhi New Delhi 1977
IHBT - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology Himachal Pradesh Palampur 1983
IICB - Indian Institute of Chemical Biology West Bengal Kolkata 1935
IICT - Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Telangana Hyderabad 1944
IIIM, Jammu - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu and Kashmir (union territory) Jammu 1941
IIP - Indian Institute of Petroleum Uttarakhand Dehradun 1960
IMMT - Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology Odisha Bhubaneswar 1964
IMTECH - Institute of Microbial Technology Chandigarh Chandigarh 1984
IITR - Indian Institute of Toxicology Research Uttar Pradesh Lucknow 1965
NAL - National Aerospace Laboratories Karnataka Bengaluru 1959
NBRI - National Botanical Research Institute Uttar Pradesh Lucknow 1953
NCL - National Chemical Laboratory Maharashtra Pune 1950
NEERI - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Maharashtra Nagpur 1958
NEIST (RRL), Jorhat - North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat Assam Jorhat 1961
NGRI - National Geophysical Research Institute Telangana Hyderabad 1961
NIIST - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Kerala Thiruvananthapuram 1975
NIO - National Institute of Oceanography Goa Dona Paula 1966
NIScPR - National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research Delhi New Delhi 2021
NML - National Metallurgical Laboratory Jharkhand Jamshedpur 1944
NPL - National Physical Laboratory Delhi New Delhi 1947
OSDD - Open Source Drug Discovery Delhi New Delhi 2008
SERC - Structural Engineering Research Centre Tamil Nadu Chennai 1965
URDIP - Unit for Research and Development of Information Products Maharashtra Pune 2010

Journals

[edit]

18 journals and 3 popular science magazines (Science Reporter and its Hindi, Urdu editions) are available under open access from NOPR website.[28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is an autonomous in , established on , , as a registered society to promote, guide, and coordinate scientific industrial research for the nation's economic and industrial advancement. Headquartered in under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, CSIR operates as one of the world's largest publicly funded R&D networks, employing thousands of scientists and support staff to address national challenges through innovation. CSIR's mission is to deliver scientific and industrial R&D that maximizes economic, environmental, and societal benefits for , with a vision to enhance citizens' via innovative science and , globally competitive R&D, sustainable solutions, and . It maintains a pan-India presence through a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, 1 innovation complex, and 3 units, spanning diverse research areas such as biological sciences, chemical sciences, engineering sciences, physical sciences, information sciences, , , drugs, , , , , , and post-harvest technology. These facilities focus on mission-mode projects like the Phytopharmaceutical Mission for , the Aroma Mission for essential oils, and the Sickle Cell Anemia Mission for affordable diagnostics and therapies, fostering collaborations with industry, academia, and government for and commercialization. Under the leadership of , who also serves as Secretary to the in the DSIR, CSIR drives strategic initiatives aligned with national priorities such as Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange, and . Notable achievements include pioneering India's National Auto Fuel Policy of 2002 through modeling studies, developing the country's first indigenous lithium-ion battery recycling plant under the Bulk Chemicals Mission, and commercializing numerous technologies in sectors like generic drugs, agro-processing, and , contributing to thousands of patents filed globally and significant economic impact through licensed innovations. CSIR's efforts emphasize , with recent advancements in areas like for rocketry and phytopharmaceuticals for healthcare, positioning as a leader in S&T innovation.

History and Establishment

Founding and Early Years

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established on 26 September 1942 by the as an autonomous registered society to promote, guide, coordinate, and sponsor industrial research, particularly in response to the exigencies of that disrupted imports of essential materials and spurred the need for self-reliance in scientific and industrial capabilities. CSIR was registered as a society under the , on 12 March 1942. The organization was modeled after similar bodies in the and was initially administered under the Department of Industries and Civil Supplies within the Governor-General's Executive Council. Its initial annual budget was set at Rs 10 lakh to support advisory and funding roles for research projects across universities and industries. Key figures instrumental in CSIR's founding included , who served as the first Chairman of the and advocated for its creation amid wartime pressures, and Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar, appointed as the first Honorary Secretary (later Director-General), who played a pivotal role in shaping its operational framework. Early activities emphasized applied research to aid war efforts, focusing on developing synthetic substitutes for scarce imports, such as alternative fuels, chemicals, and materials like and drugs, to mitigate supply shortages and bolster national production. In 1944, CSIR received a special grant of Rs 1 , which enabled the planning and initiation of dedicated national laboratories dedicated to these priorities. Following India's independence in 1947, CSIR was reorganized to support the nascent nation's industrialization goals, with administrative control placed under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to align research with economic reconstruction. Its headquarters were established in , serving as the central hub for coordination. That year marked the establishment of CSIR's inaugural national laboratories, including the National Physical Laboratory, to advance fundamental and applied research in physical sciences and , laying the groundwork for expanded scientific infrastructure in the post-colonial era. In 1951, CSIR was integrated into the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Key Milestones and Expansion

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) achieved greater operational autonomy through its registration as a society under the , which was reinforced in the post-independence period with expanded research management powers, enabling focused industrial development initiatives by 1951. In 1968, CSIR marked its with celebrations held at the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), highlighting its role in advancing in core industries such as and through indigenous metallurgical technologies. The policies of the 1980s and 1990s prompted CSIR to evolve its approach toward industry collaboration, culminating in the launch of the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) in 2000 as a public-private to drive high-risk, innovation-led R&D for global competitiveness. During the , CSIR undertook comprehensive reforms under the CSIR-800 initiative, launched in , aiming to transform the organization into a USD 800 million entity by 2012 through enhanced global outreach, intellectual property management, and societal impact programs focused on . In recent years, CSIR demonstrated its responsiveness to national emergencies with key contributions to COVID-19 mitigation in 2020, including the development of process technology for the TLR7/8 agonist adjuvant molecule used in COVAXIN by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), facilitating rapid vaccine production in collaboration with Bharat Biotech. More recently, in January 2025, CSIR announced the indigenously developed technology for paracetamol active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, licensed to Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Mandate and Objectives

Core Mission

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), registered as a society under the , operates as an autonomous body empowered to initiate, develop, coordinate, and sustain multi-disciplinary efforts focused on advancing scientific, industrial, and . This mandate emphasizes the promotion of in universities and other institutions through financial assistance, and of laboratories for targeted , and the coordination of national organizations to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, CSIR advises the on scientific and industrial matters, awards fellowships and scholarships, and recognizes institutions for research workers, thereby ensuring a holistic approach to knowledge generation and application. Central to CSIR's guiding principles is the translation of scientific knowledge into practical technologies that address key sectors such as , healthcare, , and the environment, thereby supporting sustainable industrial growth and societal well-being. Through initiatives like Fast Track Translation projects, CSIR harnesses foundational research from its laboratories to create viable products and interventions, with over 900 technologies developed across industrial domains to date. This focus aligns with CSIR's vision of enhancing the quality of life for Indian citizens via innovative science and technology, including globally competitive R&D that yields sustainable solutions for national challenges. CSIR demonstrates a strong commitment to human resource development by and grooming , technologists, and technical staff across its network, fostering a skilled essential for long-term excellence. Programs such as the Raman Research Fellowships and Nehru Science Postdoctoral Fellowships support advanced for promising researchers under 45 years of age, while the Human Resource Development Centre augments capabilities through specialized courses for CSIR personnel. Since its inception, these efforts have built a robust talent pool, enabling CSIR to maintain its position as one of the world's largest publicly funded R&D organizations. CSIR's core mission remains aligned with broader national objectives, including self-reliance under and the (SDGs), by prioritizing indigenous innovations that contribute to economic resilience and global sustainability. The CSIR Vision 2030 explicitly integrates these goals, roadmaping R&D to support India's National Vision 2047 through advancements in , , and .

Strategic Priorities and Focus Areas

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) organizes its research efforts across diverse science and technology sectors, including chemicals (including drugs and pharma), , and , materials, and minerals, and physical sciences, as part of broader mission-mode programs in areas such as , , environment, , , nutrition, , and healthcare. In alignment with national and global challenges, CSIR's strategic priorities emphasize emerging areas including (AI), , , and , as outlined in the CSIR Vision 2030 document released in 2022. This vision promotes innovation-driven growth through strong fundamental , industry partnerships, , and translation to address India's developmental needs. Key focus includes societal missions such as under the CSIR-800 scheme for potable water and , and affordable healthcare initiatives targeting nutrition and disease management. CSIR allocates significant resources to these priorities, with approximately 25% of its derived from external sources to support expanded R&D in innovation ecosystems. This includes fostering bio-based , sustainable solutions like waste-to-wealth technologies, and efforts in healthcare. Internationally, CSIR pursues collaborations under frameworks such as India-EU partnerships, focusing on sustainable technologies through joint research exchanges in areas like green and .

Governance and Organizational Structure

Leadership and Administration

The leadership of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is headed by a , which serves as the apex decision-making authority and is chaired by the in the capacity of President. The Vice-President is the Minister of Science and Technology, with the acting as the chief executive responsible for overall administration and implementation of policies. This structure ensures alignment with national priorities in science and technology, with the approving strategic plans, budgets, and major initiatives. The , currently Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi since August 2022, is the first woman to hold this position, marking a significant step toward diversity in CSIR's top leadership. She also serves as to the Department of Scientific and Industrial (DSIR), overseeing CSIR's integration with governmental . Previous notable Director Generals include Dr. Shekhar C. Mande (2018–2022), who emphasized innovation in and health, and Dr. Girish Sahni (2015–2018), known for advancements in cardiovascular research. These leaders have guided CSIR through expansions in research domains while promoting inclusive administration. At the operational level, CSIR's administrative hierarchy includes a central headquarters in , supported by over 5,000 scientific and technical staff across its network, contributing to a total workforce exceeding 17,000 personnel. The organization's annual budget for 2024–25 surpasses INR 5,000 , allocated primarily for , , and human resource development, reflecting its scale as India's premier R&D body. Policy formulation is further informed by the CSIR , which provides expert guidance on R&D directions and emerging priorities.

Institutional Framework and Operations

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) operates as an autonomous organization registered under the , functioning under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in the Ministry of Science and Technology, . Its financial resources are primarily derived from government grants, which constituted approximately 80% of its total income in the financial year 2022-23 (around ₹5,808 out of a total of about ₹7,292 ), with the remaining 20% sourced from sponsored projects, industry collaborations, licensing fees, and other revenues. All operations and resource allocation are centrally managed through the CSIR Headquarters located at Rafi Marg, , which oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and strategic implementation across its network. To foster cross-laboratory collaborations and address complex national challenges, CSIR employs Integrated Mission Mode Projects (MMPs), which integrate expertise from multiple laboratories to execute time-bound, goal-oriented initiatives. These projects emphasize among CSIR's diverse institutes, enabling pooled resources and interdisciplinary efforts on priority areas such as healthcare, energy, and , while ensuring alignment with broader national objectives. CSIR's operational framework is supported by specialized divisions at the headquarters, including Research Councils that provide advisory oversight on R&D directions and program reviews for individual laboratories; the Directorate, which handles commercialization, licensing, and ; and the Human Resource Development Group (HRDG), which manages talent acquisition, training, and fellowship programs. These divisions collectively oversee the management of CSIR's extensive portfolio, with over 15,000 patents filed globally since inception, including more than 1,100 unique patents currently in force as of 2023. The Directorate, in particular, facilitates filings, international protection, and monetization, contributing to CSIR's role in bridging laboratory innovations with industrial applications. Performance evaluation within CSIR is conducted through a suite of institutional metrics under the CSIR-India framework, which assesses research output, impact, and efficiency across laboratories using indicators such as publication citations, technology transfers, and societal contributions. A key component includes measurements to gauge the global scientific influence of CSIR's research, where the collective for its publications in multidisciplinary sciences reached 23.09 during 2000-2010, reflecting sustained contributions to international knowledge advancement. These metrics guide annual appraisals, resource allocation, and strategic refinements, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in operational effectiveness.

Research Institutes and Facilities

Network of Laboratories

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) maintains a network of 38 national laboratories distributed across , forming the backbone of its activities in science and technology. These laboratories conduct focused basic and applied research, addressing national priorities in areas ranging from to , and are strategically placed to support regional industrial and societal needs. The laboratories are organized into five major scientific divisions: Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Sciences, and Sciences. This grouping enables specialized R&D efforts, with each division encompassing multiple institutes dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, the Chemical Sciences division includes the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in , , which specializes in , catalysis, and development. Similarly, the Biological Sciences division features the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on from natural products and integrative biology. In the Physical Sciences division, the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in serves as India's national metrology , maintaining standards for in physical sciences. Geographically, the network ensures a pan-India presence, with laboratories spanning northern, southern, eastern, western, northeastern, and central regions to align research with local economic and environmental challenges. Examples include facilities in the northern region like CSIR-NPL in and CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in , ; southern hubs such as CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in and CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, ; and eastern outposts like CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) in , . This distribution facilitates targeted innovations, such as agro-based technologies in the south and geophysical research in the northeast. The infrastructure supporting this network includes over 100 specialized buildings and advanced facilities across the laboratories, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for experimentation and computation. Notable among these are supercomputing centers, such as the one at the CSIR-Fourth Paradigm Institute (4PI) in Bengaluru, which provides resources for complex simulations in modeling and . These resources enhance the labs' capacity for cutting-edge research while promoting knowledge sharing through shared platforms.

Outreach Centers and Specialized Units

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) maintains a network of 39 outreach centres and 3 innovation complexes designed to extend its research and development efforts beyond core laboratories, facilitating technology transfer to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), rural communities, and underserved sectors across India. These centres focus on applied extensions of CSIR's innovations, such as adapting laboratory-developed technologies for local industries, agricultural applications, and environmental solutions in remote areas, thereby bridging the gap between advanced R&D and practical implementation. Complementing this network is the CSIR-Innovation Complex Mumbai (C-ICM), inaugurated in January 2025, a state-of-the-art facility spanning nine floors with 24 incubation labs, 24 office spaces, and conference rooms, dedicated to fostering translational research, startup incubation, and industry partnerships for scalable commercialization. Key specialized units within this outreach framework include the Technology Transfer Facilitation Centres (TTFCs), with four out of six centres sanctioned by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) awarded to CSIR institutions such as the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), and CSIR-Indian (IICT); these centres provide SMEs with access to ready-to-adopt technologies, technical consultations, and prototyping support to enhance competitiveness and innovation adoption. For (IP) management, units like the CSIR Unit for of Products (URDIP) offer specialized services in analytics, searches, and knowledge dissemination, supporting over 400 active patents through the CSIR India Technology Portal. Regional hubs, such as the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) Zonal Centres in and Hyderabad, conduct localized environmental monitoring, applications, hazardous waste management, and systems design tailored to southern and central 's industrial and urban challenges. CSIR's outreach also encompasses specialized initiatives for , including life sciences incubators such as the Atal Incubation Centre at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and (AIC-CCMB), which nurtures biotech startups through wet labs, mentorship, funding linkages, and technical , positioning it as one of India's leading facilities for advancing healthcare and bio-based innovations. Internationally, CSIR engages in collaborative units and programs, such as knowledge-sharing workshops with Malaysian institutions on IP protection and via the CSIR- Digital Library (TKDL) Unit, promoting cross-border technology exchange and regional innovation . These units collectively play a vital role in skill development, with CSIR laboratories and outreach centres conducting 624 skilling and reskilling programs in 2024-25, 19,287 personnel in areas like advanced , environmental technologies, and biotech applications to build a robust workforce for industrial and societal needs.

Scientific Achievements and Contributions

Technological Innovations

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has pioneered several indigenous technologies that have bolstered India's self-reliance in key sectors. In 1967, CSIR's (CMERI) developed the prototype of the tractor, marking the nation's first indigenously designed and manufactured agricultural tractor without imported components. This innovation revolutionized farm mechanization by enabling efficient tilling and plowing suited to Indian soil conditions. Similarly, CSIR's (NAL) contributed critical components to the Tejas , including advanced composite materials for 165 structural parts such as the , wings, and doors, contributing to approximately 45% of the airframe by weight and resulting in a weight reduction of about 20%, enhancing its performance. In , CSIR-NAL built Flosolver in 1986, India's inaugural parallel processing supercomputer dedicated to solving complex problems in design, paving the way for subsequent initiatives in the country. In pharmaceuticals, CSIR laboratories have driven breakthroughs in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to address dependency on imports. During the 1950s, researchers at CSIR's Regional Research Laboratory (now Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) in Hyderabad synthesized methaqualone, India's first indigenous sedative-hypnotic drug, initially explored for antimalarial properties before its medical applications as a tranquilizer. More recently, in 2025, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) developed a fully indigenous, continuous manufacturing process for paracetamol API, enabling domestic production of this essential pain reliever and fever reducer to achieve self-sufficiency amid global supply disruptions. CSIR's engineering innovations extend to materials and , enhancing and . CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) formulated high-strength rail steels with superior hardness, wear resistance, and toughness compared to conventional grades, optimizing them for to extend track life and reduce costs. In , CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) advanced seaweed-based bio-fertilizers, which supplement chemical fertilizers and can reduce their usage by up to 20-25%, thereby curbing India's substantial imports of synthetic nutrients estimated at over ₹800-1,000 annually. In 2025, CSIR labs advanced clean energy technologies, including efficient dye-sensitized solar cells and sustainable biofuel processes. As of the mid-2010s, CSIR maintained a robust patent portfolio, accounting for approximately 90% of U.S. patents granted to Indian public-funded R&D organizations, with over filings annually across diverse fields. This includes innovations in green technologies, such as patents on porphyrin-based sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells at CSIR-IICT, aimed at improving efficiency in low-light conditions for applications.

Societal and Economic Impact

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has significantly contributed to India's economy through technology transfers that have generated substantial industry value. CSIR's commercialization efforts have generated substantial economic value through licensing and spin-off initiatives across sectors like chemicals, , and materials, with assessments showing high returns on R&D investments for key technologies. These transfers have supported hundreds of local jobs in various projects, while CSIR has fostered through spin-off companies, with ongoing goals to establish around 50 such entities. In terms of societal benefits, CSIR's research has enhanced affordable healthcare by bolstering India's sector, enabling the production of low-cost versions of through and process optimization. For instance, collaborations with pharmaceutical firms have facilitated the development of affordable anti-HIV and other critical drugs, reducing treatment costs and improving access for millions in resource-limited settings. Environmentally, CSIR has advanced public welfare via projects like the Namami Gange initiative, deploying chemical-free technologies from laboratories such as CSIR-IITR and CSIR-NEERI to clean drains and tributaries of the Ganga River, thereby mitigating and supporting restoration for communities dependent on the waterway. CSIR plays a pivotal role in national missions like by prioritizing indigenization in key areas, including defense and , where its R&D supports through innovations in materials, improvement, and pest management technologies. These efforts align with broader economic goals, contributing to and industrial growth. In recent years, CSIR's response to the included partnerships for vaccine development, such as with on the inactivated vaccine under the CSIR-NMITLI program, aiding India's vaccination drive that administered over 100 million doses of indigenous vaccines like . Additionally, in the 2020s, CSIR has developed climate tools for , including digitized traditional practices and resilient varieties, helping farmers mitigate risks from changing weather patterns and enhance productivity.

Awards and Recognitions

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology was instituted in 1958 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to recognize exceptional contributions to human knowledge and progress in science and engineering, named in honor of Dr. , CSIR's founding Director-General who played a pivotal role in establishing India's scientific infrastructure. The award targets mid-career scientists, specifically Indian citizens engaged in up to the age of 45 as of of the preceding year, aiming to encourage outstanding work and retain scientific talent within the country. Annually, the prize is conferred in seven disciplines: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, , Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Engineering Sciences, , Medical Sciences, and Physical Sciences, with two recipients selected per category where applicable. Each awardee receives a cash prize of INR 500,000, along with a citation and plaque, presented during CSIR's celebrations on 26. The selection process involves nominations from fellows of national academies or CSIR directors, evaluated by discipline-specific expert committees comprising distinguished , followed by review from a multidisciplinary chaired by the Director-General of CSIR. Since its inception, the prize has been awarded to over 500 scientists, many of whom have gone on to become prominent national leaders in research and policy, such as , who received it in 1968 for his work in chemical sciences and later advanced globally. By spotlighting innovative mid-career researchers, the award has significantly contributed to fostering a culture of excellence and talent retention in Indian science, with recipients often advancing to leadership roles in academia, industry, and government institutions.

Other Notable Honors

The CSIR Technology Awards, instituted in , recognize multi-disciplinary in-house team efforts and external collaborations for the development, transfer, and commercialization of technologies, with categories including life sciences, chemical sciences, and . Recipients receive a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh, a plaque, and a citation, highlighting CSIR's focus on translating into practical applications. The CSIR Young Scientist Award, established in 1987, honors exceptional contributions by scientists under the age of 35 across five disciplines: biological sciences, chemical sciences, earth sciences, engineering sciences, and physical sciences. Each awardee is granted Rs. 50,000 in cash, a plaque, and a monthly of Rs. 7,500 until age 45, along with research support to foster early-career innovation. As of 2022, the program has recognized 221 scientists, including 32 women, many of whom later earned fellowships from prestigious academies like the Indian National Science Academy. Externally, CSIR and its scientists have garnered significant national honors, including multiple Padma awards for distinguished service in science and engineering. Notable recipients include Dr. T. Ramasami, former director of CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, who received the in 2001 for advancements in leather technology and education. In 2018, CSIR itself was awarded the National Intellectual Property Award in the category of Top R&D Institution/Organization for Patents and by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. On the global stage, Prize laureates from CSIR have achieved high-impact recognition, such as Dr. , who received the prize in 1968 and later earned the along with international accolades like the from for his contributions to . In 2024, three CSIR scientists—Dr. Anandharamakrishnan, Dr. Chidambaram R., and Dr. S. Ramakrishnan—were conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar by the for outstanding research in , , and , respectively. In 2025, CSIR-IICT Chief Scientist Dr. S. Venkata Mohan received the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar – Vigyan Shri for contributions to and bioengineering. Additionally, CSIR's indigenous development of production technology in 2024 earned ministerial recognition as a milestone for national , with the process transferred to industry for commercialization by 2025.

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

CSIR Journals

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through its National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), publishes 19 peer-reviewed research journals that serve as key platforms for disseminating scientific knowledge across diverse disciplines. These journals encompass fields ranging from physical and chemical sciences to biological sciences, , and studies, fostering contributions from researchers in , , , and beyond. Among them, 12 primary journals hold Journal Impact Factor (JIF) scores, positioning CSIR-NIScPR as the third-largest publisher in for such ranked outlets. Notable examples include the Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research (JSIR), established in 1942 as CSIR's inaugural journal, which focuses on comprehensive reviews and original research in science, technology, engineering, and industrial applications. Another longstanding publication is the Indian Journal of Chemistry (IJC), launched in 1963 and split into Section A (inorganic, physical, theoretical, and ) and Section B (organic and ) in 1976; Section B, for instance, carries an of 0.456 as of 2021. These journals undergo rigorous to ensure quality, with editorial boards comprising experts from CSIR institutions and academic bodies, overseen by CSIR-NIScPR. Since adopting an open-access model, CSIR-NIScPR journals have provided free full-text access to all articles, aligning with CSIR's broader for funded research initiated around 2011 and strengthened through initiatives in 2014, when 13 of these journals first received impact factors. This policy has enhanced global visibility, with 14 journals indexed in and all covered by , alongside other databases like and UGC-CARE, facilitating international collaborations and citations. Annually, these journals publish over 1,000 articles, contributing to multidisciplinary advancements while maintaining high standards of scientific integrity.

Other Research Outputs

In addition to its scholarly journals, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) produces a range of non-periodical publications that support research dissemination, technology commercialization, and public engagement. These outputs include annual reports that provide comprehensive overviews of CSIR's activities, achievements, and strategic directions. For instance, the CSIR Annual Report 2022-23 details the organization's structure, comprising 37 laboratories, 39 outreach centers, and 3,476 scientists, while highlighting key R&D contributions across diverse science and technology domains. Similar reports from 2018-19 to 2022-23 are available in both English and Hindi, serving as vital resources for stakeholders in policy, education, and industry. CSIR also issues technology handbooks and compendia to catalog its innovations for practical application. The CSIR-NML Technology Handbook 2019, published by the National Metallurgical Laboratory, showcases recent processes, products, and devices developed for industrial use, emphasizing transfer-ready technologies in . Likewise, the CSIR Compendium of Technologies 2021 assesses over 900 technologies using Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 5-8), providing a framework for evaluating their maturity and potential societal impact. These handbooks, along with numerous on science and technology topics from CSIR-NIScPR, aid and industry by explaining complex concepts in accessible formats, such as poetry-infused explorations of scientific principles in titles like Kavitaen Gyaan Ki Vigyaan Ki. A significant portion of CSIR's research outputs focuses on and commercialization. The Innovation Protection Unit (IPU) manages filings, prosecutions, and maintenance, resulting in 250 Indian s and 213 foreign s filed in 2022-23 alone, contributing to a portfolio of 1,132 unique s in force. documents, including agreements and licensing details, facilitate industry adoption; for example, the (PCF) technology developed under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) was transferred to an industrial partner via a formal agreement. Supporting these efforts is the CSIR Technology Portal, a serving as a single-window repository for , technologies, knowledge bases, and services, enabling efficient searches and transfers. CSIR extends its reach through public outreach materials that promote science literacy and data sharing. Newsletters from various laboratories, archived in institutional repositories like CSIR-CENTRAL, highlight ongoing projects and achievements, such as those from CSIR-AMPRI and CSIR-CBRI . Video content, disseminated via the official CSIR YouTube channel and a dedicated video gallery, includes outreach programs like the National Student Outreach Programme on 's , fostering public understanding of research applications. Additionally, CSIR contributes open-source datasets through platforms like CSIR-CENTRAL, which hosts research outputs from its laboratories, though specific omics-related initiatives like CSIR-OMICS are integrated into broader data-sharing efforts for biological and chemical sciences. Digital initiatives further amplify CSIR's outputs, aligning with national goals like . The CSIR YUVA Portal invites online applications from young innovators, supporting knowledge dissemination through e-resources and virtual engagement. Open-access e-resources, including e-books and institutional repositories, provide free access to non-print materials, while webinars and online events—such as those under the Science Communication and Dissemination Directorate—extend educational content to wider audiences.

References

  1. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2025-09/advt_post_of_director_csir-imtech_chandigarh-english.pdf
  2. https://www.csirhrdg.res.in/
  3. https://www.dsir.gov.in/council-scientific-and-industrial-research
  4. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-mission-archival
  5. https://www.csir.res.in/en/vision-mission
  6. https://www.csir.res.in/en/about-us/about-csir
  7. https://www.csir.res.in/en
  8. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-missions
  9. https://www.csir.res.in/en/about-us/csir-leader
  10. https://www.csir.res.in/en/dgrcsir/dr-mrs-n-kalaiselvi
  11. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-milestones
  12. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2088289
  13. https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155992
  14. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-success-stories/fuelling-future-rockets-india-through-csir-technology
  15. https://www.csir.res.in/en/list-rd-projects
  16. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2024-07/csir-annual-report-2022-23-eng.pdf
  17. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20170821-cisr-council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research-icons-of-modern-india-1028915-2017-08-11
  18. https://puchd.ac.in/vc-address/vc-talk-imtech.pdf
  19. https://www.aiche.org/sites/default/files/cep/20181249.pdf
  20. https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1686003
  21. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-02/about-brochure.pdf
  22. https://eprints.nmlindia.org/4921/
  23. https://www.csir.res.in/en/about-nmitli/background
  24. https://www.cecri.res.in/Portals/0/current_focus/CSIR-800.pdf
  25. https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1700995
  26. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090312
  27. https://www.csir.res.in/en/policy-and-guidelines
  28. https://www.csir.res.in/en/fast-track-translation-and-fast-track-commercialization-projects
  29. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-outreach
  30. https://csirhrdc.res.in/about-us/about-hrdc
  31. https://www.csir.res.in/en/human-resource-development-through-trainingfellowship-opportunities-csir-scientists-centres
  32. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2000560
  33. https://crridom.gov.in/sites/default/files/files/CSIR-Vision-2030.pdf
  34. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/172/AS84.pdf?source=pqals
  35. https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=97658
  36. https://cen.acs.org/policy/research-funding/Scientists-Indias-government-labs-struggle/96/i13
  37. https://www.biospectrumindia.com/views/17/25893/csirs-strategic-priorities-will-focus-on-indigenisation-healthcare-innovation-and-bio-based-economic-growth.html
  38. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2025-04/csir-eu_msca-se_call_2025_guidelines_and_announcement_1.pdf
  39. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-04/Om-Eng-24032023.pdf
  40. https://www.dsir.gov.in/meet-secretary
  41. https://www.facebook.com/INDIA.CSIR/posts/csir-a-profile-july-2025get-the-latest-snapshot-of-csir-laboratories-and-their-c/1124015176429982/
  42. https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/union-budget-2025-science-ministry-gets-historic-funding-hike-powered-by-corpus-to-finance-private-rd/article69169471.ece
  43. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-05/omadvisory.pdf
  44. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-05/CSIR_27-04-2017_1.pdf
  45. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-annual-grantsbudget/grantsfunds-released-csir-during-fys-2022-23
  46. https://www.csir.res.in/en/mission-mode-project
  47. https://www.csir.res.in/en/divisions
  48. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4367031/
  49. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-laboratories
  50. https://www.dsir.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-11/Annexures-8.pdf
  51. https://www.ncl-india.org/
  52. https://csir4pi.res.in/
  53. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-innovation-complex-mumbai-c-icm
  54. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2094285
  55. https://www.imtech.res.in/about-official-website-of-csir-institute-of-microbial-technology-ministry-of-science-technology-government-of-india/about-csir-imtechs-parent-organization-official-website-of-csir-institute-of-microbial-technology-ministry-of-science-technology-government-of-india
  56. https://www.facebook.com/INDIA.CSIR/posts/a-proud-moment-for-csir-dsir-4-out-of-6-technology-transfer-facilitation-centres/1228534975978001/
  57. https://www.csir.res.in/en/csir-unit-research-and-development-information-products-urdip
  58. https://techindiacsir.anusandhan.net/
  59. https://www.neeri.res.in/divisions/details/sub-verticals-csir-neeri-hyderabad-zonal-centre
  60. https://www.neeri.res.in/divisions/details/sub-verticals-csir-neeri-chennai-zonal-centre
  61. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/atal-incubation-centre-ccmb_csirs-strategic-priorities-will-focus-on-activity-7313087330007883777-dXId
  62. https://www.csir.res.in/en/homepage-slider/visit-delegates-malaysian-patent-office-csir-tkdl-unit
  63. https://www.csirhrdc.res.in/sites/default/files/Annual%2520Report%25202024-25.pdf
  64. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/961291468913915134/pdf/Decision-making-in-the-public-sector-a-case-study-of-Swaraj-Tractor.pdf
  65. https://www.nal.res.in/themes/stark/medias/other/1548/csir-award-2020.pdf
  66. https://m.economictimes.com/quaaludes-how-the-wild-party-drug-has-an-unexpected-indian-connection/articleshow/29364554.cms
  67. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2025-03/01_to_05_january_2025.pdf
  68. https://nml.res.in/basic-page/legacy
  69. https://www.csmcri.res.in/technologies/tech-details/8126
  70. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1897011
  71. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-05/Director_ADVT_060117%2520%25281%2529.pdf
  72. https://www.iict.res.in/PATENT
  73. https://apctt.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/VJS_HRDC_Technology_Commercializatiion_0.pdf
  74. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-06/CSIR80-final.pdf
  75. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/role-csir-india-establishing-india-pharmacy-world-waitro-rmlac
  76. https://csirnews.niscpr.res.in/home/article/32
  77. https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/2023-07/CSIR%2520COVID%2520efforts.pdf
  78. https://www.csir.res.in/en/rd-projects-csir
  79. https://www.csir.res.in/en/award/shanti-swarup-bhatnagar-prize-science-and-technology
  80. https://csirhrdg.res.in/Home/Index/1/Default/1887/8
  81. https://researchmatters.in/news/prof-debabrata-maiti-iit-bombay-awarded-shanti-swarup-bhatnagar-prize-2022
  82. https://iisc.ac.in/research/accolades/shanti-swarup-bhatnagar-awardees/
  83. https://csirhrdg.res.in/Home/Index/1/Default/3077/120
  84. https://www.csir.res.in/en/award/csir-technology-awards-cta
  85. https://csirhrdg.res.in/Home/Index/1/Default/3118/67
  86. https://csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20240104141758457CSIR_YSA_04Jan2024.pdf
  87. https://www.clri.org/DepartmentDetails.aspx?DP=108
  88. https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=178959
  89. https://niscpr.res.in/includes/images/csirnews/csirnews-sept-2024.pdf
  90. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/rashtriya-vigyan-puraskar-vigyan-shri-award-to-csir-iict-chief-scientist/article70204795.ece
  91. https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/
  92. https://niscpr.res.in/divisions/rjbs
  93. https://or.niscpr.res.in/index.php/JSIR
  94. https://or.niscpr.res.in/index.php/IJC
  95. https://niscpr.res.in/home/editors
  96. http://op.niscair.res.in/index.php/ALIS/article/download/7221/411
  97. https://www.scilit.com/publishers/20196
  98. https://www.csir.res.in/en/annual-report
  99. https://eprints.nmlindia.org/8464/
  100. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357254278_CSIR_COMPENDIUM_OF_TECHNOLOGIES_2021
  101. https://niscpr.res.in/knowledgeproducts/popularsciencebooks
  102. https://www.csir.res.in/en/nmitli
  103. https://www.csir.res.in/en/knowledge-resource-center/csir-repositories
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.