N. Kalaiselvi
Nallathamby Kalaiselvi is an Indian Chemist and the first woman Director General of India's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).[1][2] Her research expertise is in the field of electrochemistry and she has published over 200 peer-reviewed research articles.[3] In an interview with Emma Pewsey, for Chemistry World Magazine, she described Chemistry and Physics driving her as "as twin engines".[4]
Early life and education
[edit]Kalaiselvi was born in Tamil Nadu, India on 5 February 1967.[5] She studied for a bachelor's degree in chemistry at the Government Arts College in Tirunelveli, which is affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University, a postgraduate degree also in Chemistry from the Government Arts College in Coimbatore, and then a PhD in electrochemistry at Annamalai University.[2][6] In an interview with Arunima Jha for India Today, Kalaiselvi shared that she has been "intrigued by the wonders of nature." ever since childhood.[6]
Research and career
[edit]Kalaiselvi is an expert in electrochemistry, battery technology (including lithium ion batteries) and energy policy.[5][7] She has authored over 125 research articles and holds at least 6 patents.[6] Between 2012 and 2017, she led the multifuctional electrodes and electrolytes for future technologies (MULTI-FUN) project at CSIR.[8]
In 2019, she became the director of the Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI).[9]
In 2022, she was appointed as the Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and the director general at CSIR, the first woman to hold this position.[10][11] As Director General, she oversees approximately 38 research laboratories.[6]
The CSIR have partnered with the Royal Society of Chemistry to deliver an outreach program providing the opportunity for thousands of school children to take part in the Take Charge project and learn about energy and sustainability.[12] Kalaiselvi is actively involved in this project and delivers a popular lecture.[4]
Throughout her career she has been an advocate for gender equality, particularly in STEM fields.[13] For example, through the STEM at ASPIRE-SHAKTI project which celebrates women in STEM.[14]
Awards and honors
[edit]Kalaiselvi has won numerous awards including:[5]
- in 2019, the C.V. Raman Mahila Vijnana Puraskara award, which was presented at the 12th National Women's Science Congress held in Mysore.
- in 2015, the Materials Research Society Medal.
- In 2007, International Scientist of the Year.
- In 2003, the Brain Pool Fellowship of Korea
References
[edit]- ↑ "CSIR Leader | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research". www.csir.res.in. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- 1 2 "Nallathamby Kalaiselvi becomes first woman director general of CSIR". The Economic Times. 2022-08-07. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ "Kalaiselvi". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- 1 2 Pewsey, Emma (May 2026). "In Situ with Nallathamby Kalaiselvi". Chemistry World. 23 (3): 74–75.
- 1 2 3 "Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research". www.csir.res.in. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- 1 2 3 4 Today, India. "Dr N. Kalaiselvi: Empowering women in STEM". bestcolleges.indiatoday.in. Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ "For First Time Ever, Top Body Of Scientists (CSIR) Gets Woman Boss". NDTV India News. August 7th 2022.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Multifunctional electrodes and electrolytes for future technologies (MULTIFUN) | CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute". www.cmeri.res.in. Archived from the original on 2025-12-10. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- ↑ "Dr. N Kalaiselvi". www.cecri.res.in. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- ↑ "Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi – BRIC". www.bric.nic.in. Archived from the original on 2025-04-25. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- ↑ Koshy, Jacob (2022-08-07). "N. Kalaiselvi, first woman chief of CSIR". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- ↑ "How the RSC's CSIR partnership will help India's next generation of chemists". Royal Society of Chemistry. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- ↑ Today, India. "Dr N. Kalaiselvi: Empowering women in STEM". bestcolleges.indiatoday.in. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
- ↑ "Ministry of Science Press Release: CSIR celebrates women researchers in STEM at ASPIRE-SHAKTI". Government of India, Press Information Bureau. July 2026.