The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) held a high-level Brainstorming Meeting today at the CSIR Science Centre, New Delhi, to strengthen existing partnerships and develop a coordinated roadmap for future health research initiatives.
Co-chaired by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR & Secretary, Department of Health Research, the meeting brought together directors of key laboratories and senior officials from both organisations.
The two sides reviewed progress on major collaborative projects, including:
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CSIR-developed molecules advancing into clinical trials,
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the performance of ICMR-supported Centres of Advanced Research housed in CSIR labs,
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and implementation of large-scale, high-impact joint programmes.
A strong emphasis was placed on expanding wastewater surveillance for multiple pathogens across cities, hospitals, and communities, with both organisations aligning this effort under the One Health Mission.
Discussions also covered clearly defining CSIR–ICMR responsibilities in developing new molecules and drugs, systematic clinical trials, and the utilisation of ICMR’s large-animal toxicity testing facilities.
The progress of the AcSIR–ICMR Ph.D. programme was reviewed, with plans to widen opportunities for young researchers, including better integration of ICMR fellowships with existing CSIR fellowships.
Both Dr. Kalaiselvi and Dr. Bahl stressed the need to merge CSIR’s technological capabilities with ICMR’s public health expertise to deliver impactful national outcomes. They called for stronger coordination, time-bound targets, and structured approaches for co-developing technologies—such as a jointly conceptualised digitally controlled medical emergency drone service.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration, streamline joint project development, and broaden engagement across emerging areas including biomedical sciences, diagnostics, digital health, and environmental health surveillance.
