Nallathamby Kalaiselvi became the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
In August 2022, Senior Scientist Nallathamby Kalaiselvi has been appointed as the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Her appointment is for two years. Kalaiselvi will succeed Shekhar Mande, who retired in April 2022. After Mande's retirement, Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology was given additional charge of CSIR. Kalaiselvi, recognized for her work in the field of lithium-ion batteries, is currently the director of CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu.
Kalaiselvi will also hold the charge of Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Kalaiselvi started his career in CSIR and built a good reputation in the institute. She then became the first
woman to head CSIR-CECRI in February 2019.
CSIR
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is the largest Research and Development (R&D) organization in India. CSIR is a pan-India institute comprising of an active network of 37 national laboratories, 39 remote centres, 3 innovative campuses and 5 units.
It was established in September 1942. The headquarters is located in New Delhi. CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and is registered as an autonomous body under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
Organizational Structure
President- Prime Minister of India (ex-officio President)
Vice President- Union Minister of Science and Technology (Ex-officio Vice President)
Objective
The objective of the Council is to carry out Scientific and Industrial/Applied Research related to national importance.