Who is the first woman Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)?

Dr. Nallathamby Kalaiselvi became the first woman Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in August 2022. A distinguished electrochemist, her research focuses on energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Before her appointment, she served as Director of the Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI). Dr. Kalaiselvi’s leadership marks a historic milestone in India’s premier scientific institution, emphasizing innovation in sustainable energy. Her contributions aim to strengthen India’s scientific infrastructure and promote gender equality in research leadership. Her appointment represents both progress in scientific advancement and a cultural shift toward inclusivity in Indian science.