New Delhi, Delhi based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) celebrated its 73rd Foundation Day on 16th July 2024 at CSIR – CRRI Auditorium in New Delhi, Delhi.
- Dr.Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research(DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Director General (DG) of CSIR along with other dignitaries were present during the event.
Background:
i.The idea for CRRI was first discussed at the 1943 conference of Chief Engineers in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
ii.It was later approved by the CSIR General Body in March 1950, under the guidance of Sir Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar, the first DG of CSIR on 16 July 1952.
About CSIR-CRRI:
i.CSIR-CRRI is a premier national laboratory engaged in carrying out research and development projects on design, construction and maintenance of roads and runways.
ii.It also provides technical and consultancy services to various user organizations in India and abroad.
Highlights:
i.Dr. Kaliselvi inaugurated the ‘AcSIR PhD Scholar Lab’ and highlighted the need to develop policy of India upcoming challenges taking advantage of local, human and technical advantages that the CRRI will provide in the next 2 to 3 years.
- She stressed the importance of AcSIR’s need for alumni and private participation.
ii.This 73rd Foundation Day ceremony served as a platform to promote scientific innovation and inspire the next generation of scientists in the field of road and transport research.
iii.Over 200 school children participated in open day under CSIR Jigyasa Scheme (student-scientist connect program).
CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi Gets Two-Year Extension
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of tenure of N. Kalaiselvi as DG of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, for a period of two years beyond 7th August 2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
- She was appointed to the post in August 2022 after the superannuation of Shekhar Mande in April 2022.
Note: Dr Kalaiselvi is the 26th DG of CSIR and the first woman to lead the organisation in its 80-year existence.
About N Kalaiselvi:
i.N Kalaiselvi had begun her research career as an entry-level scientist at CSIR – Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) in 1997.
ii.She was known for her work in the field of lithium-ion batteries and invented new materials, which are used as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries for improving their storage capacities.
iii.She has also made significant contributions to the National Mission for Electric Mobility.
About the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
CSIR was established as an autonomous body in 1942 under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Government of India (GoI).
President – Narendra Modi
Director – General (DG) – Nallathamby Kalaiselvi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
