Applied sciences key to energy security: CSIR DG

Research and applied sciences will be central to advancing sustainable solutions that ensure India’s energy security, promote green chemistry for sustainable agriculture, and address broader global sustainability challenges, Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said on Monday at an international conference on sustainability.

Delivering the inaugural address at the International Conference on Sustainability through Fundamental & Applied Sciences (STFAS 2026) hosted by the Hindu College, University of Delhi, Dr Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of CSIR, emphasised that scientific innovation must move beyond theory and translate into scalable, real-world applications. She also encouraged students to actively pursue research and entrepreneurship, noting that the next generation of scientists and innovators will play a defining role in shaping sustainable development pathways.

The conference was jointly organised by the Department of Physics and Chemistry.

TCA Rangachari, Chairman, Hindu College, noted that sustainability must be driven by collective action anchored in science, innovation and responsibility, adding that Hindu College’s commitment to encouraging such dialogue and nurturing future-ready thinkers is timely and commendable. The 3-day conference is being organised under the aegis of the DBT Star College Scheme from April 6 to 8. Prof Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, highlighted the importance of integrating academic inquiry with societal needs.

The conference features nearly 30 national and international speakers from premier institutions, including IITs, CSIR laboratories, global universities, and industry and it is supported by organisations including Indian Railway Finance Corporation, Ultra International Limited, SBI, Canara Bank, and GreyMatters Communications, among others.

Highlighting the role of industry collaboration, Sant Sanganeria, Founder Chairman & CEO of Ultra International Limited, said, “The future of sustainability lies in seamless integration of science and industry. Conferences like STFAS provide a critical platform to align research with market needs and accelerate the adoption of innovative, sustainable solutions across sectors.”