Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, a renowned electrochemical scientist, took on the role as the first woman director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). With over 25 years of research work, Kalaiselvi primarily focused on electrochemical power systems. Her contributions include the development of electrode materials and the electrochemical assessment of these materials for energy storage device assembly. She has 125 research papers and six patents to her credit.
Overview of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Established in September 1942, CSIR is the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India with its headquarters in New Delhi. The autonomous body is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The organisation has a pan-India presence including 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 innovation complexes, and 5 units. CSIR covers various scientific disciplines ranging from radio, space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, mining, aeronautics, environmental engineering to information technology.
The Structure of CSIR
The President of CSIR is the Prime Minister while the Vice President is the Union Minister of Science and Technology. The Director-General, who happens to be the head of the governing body, along with the finance secretary (expenditures), are the ex-officio members. Other members hold their positions for a term of three years.
Objectives and Vision of CSIR
The main objectives of CSIR are fostering scientific and industrial research relevant to national importance. The council aims to guide and coordinate scientific and industrial research in India, establish research studentships and fellowships, utilize research results to develop industries, and establish, maintain and manage laboratories and institutes to further scientific and industrial research.
Awards Associated with CSIR
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize for Science and Technology is the most prestigious award given in India for science and technology. Named after CSIR’s founder director Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the award was initiated in 1957.
Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar: Founder of CSIR
Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the first Director-General of CSIR, played a vital role in establishing twelve national laboratories and setting up the Science and Technology infrastructure post-independence. He was conferred the Order of British Empire (OBE), knighted in 1941 and awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1954 by the President of India.
Initiatives Undertaken by CSIR
CSIR has taken various initiatives in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. These include establishing technology verticals for molecular surveillance, diagnostics, drugs repurposing and supply chain, and logistics support systems. CSIR also developed India’s first lithium-ion battery making facility, a bacterial blight resistant rice, and a transgenic cotton line resistant to whiteflies. Its other notable contributions include the development of a milk adulteration detector called Ksheer-scanner and double-fortified salt for combatting anaemia.