**Executive Summary**
The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on April 8, 2026, in Nagpur to highlight institutional achievements and future innovation goals. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, called for enhanced research excellence, increased student mentorship, and the expansion of accredited R&D facilities. The event featured the inauguration of several new labs and innovation hubs aimed at positioning the institute as a global Centre of Excellence.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Directives for Research and Excellence**
* **Research Proposals:** Scientists are urged to actively submit research proposals to strengthen the institute’s legacy and societal impact.
* **Mentorship Mandate:** Each scientist is encouraged to mentor at least three students to increase academic engagement.
* **Global Competitiveness:** Focus on developing globally competitive technologies to establish CSIR-NEERI as a premier Centre of Excellence.
* **Infrastructure Expansion:** Emphasis placed on expanding accredited R&D facilities and promoting collaborative consortia.
**Inaugurations and Facilities**
* **New Research Facilities:** Official inauguration of the Living Lab, Bamboo Bio-Germplasm Conservation Garden, and the Bio-CCUS Innovation Hub.
* **Operational Infrastructure:** Appreciation and launch of the Testbed Facility with a call for sustainable business models.
* **Innovation Showcases:** Launch of the Student Research & Innovation Expo and the release of several key publications.
**Institutional Role and Recognition**
* **National Contribution:** Recognition of the institute's role as a referral laboratory providing policy support and contributing to national missions.
* **Capacity Building:** Continued focus on capacity building and gaining international recognition for environmental research.
**Impact Analysis**
**CSIR-NEERI Scientists**
**Impact**
Scientists are expected to take a more proactive role in institutional growth and academic development.
**Action Required**
Actively submit new research proposals and commit to mentoring a minimum of three students each.
**Students**
**Impact**
Students gain increased access to mentorship, innovation platforms, and specialized research facilities.
**Action Required**
Engage with the new Student Research & Innovation Expo and participate in mentorship opportunities provided by senior staff.
**CSIR-NEERI Leadership and Management**
**Impact**
Leadership is tasked with transitioning the institute into a globally recognized Centre of Excellence through infrastructure and collaboration.
**Action Required**
Expand accredited R&D facilities, promote collaborative consortia, and develop sustainable business models for the newly inaugurated Testbed Facility.
Key Entities Referenced
CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur: The primary research institute focused on environmental engineering, celebrated its 68th foundation day with a renewed emphasis on innovation and societal impact.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): India’s premier national research organization and the parent body of NEERI, whose leadership defined the strategic goals for research excellence and global competitiveness.
N. Kalaiselvi: Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, who served as Chief Guest and delivered the vision for enhancing research impact and accredited R&D facilities.
Bio-CCUS Innovation Hub: A newly inaugurated specialized facility at the institute focused on driving research and innovation in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration.
Ministry of Science & Technology: The governing ministry overseeing CSIR-NEERI and the scientific initiatives presented during the foundation day event.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-NEERI Celebrates 68th Foundation Day
with Focus on Innovation and Impact
Posted On: 09 APR 2026 4:29PM by PIB Mumbai
Nagpur : 9 April 2026
The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI),
Nagpur, celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on April 8, 2026, with a series of
programmes.
N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR),
graced the event as Chief Guest and delivered the Foundation Day address at the
NEERI Auditorium. S. Venkata Mohan, Director of CSIR-NEERI, was also present.
In her address, Dr. Kalaiselvi lauded the contributions of the institute’s visionaries
and former staff, highlighting its remarkable journey, continued relevance, and
impactful achievements. She emphasized the need to strengthen the institute’s
legacy by enhancing research excellence and societal impact, urging scientists to
actively submit research proposals, increase student engagement, and mentor at
least three students each.
She further stressed the need to significantly enhance research impact, expand
accredited R&D facilities, and promote collaborative consortia.
Appreciating the Testbed Facility, she encouraged sustainable business models and
advised focusing on globally competitive technologies to position CSIR-NEERI as a
Centre of Excellence.Dr. Mohan noted that CSIR-NEERI has long served as a referral laboratory,
contributing to national missions, policy support, and capacity building, while
gaining increasing global recognition.
During the event, Dr. Kalaiselvi inaugurated facilities including a Living Lab, Bamboo
Bio-Germplasm Conservation Garden, Testbed Facility, Bio-CCUS Innovation Hub,
and a Student Research & Innovation Expo, and also released several key
publications.
PIB Nagpur | Saurabh Khekde/ Priti Malandkar
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