N. Kalaiselvi (Nallathamby Kalaiselvi) is a senior Indian scientist serving as Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Concurrently, she holds the position of Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an ex‑officio role associated with DSIR leadership.
Education & Background
Originating from Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, Kalaiselvi completed her primary and secondary education in Tamil medium schools in the region. She earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, and began her scientific career at CSIR–Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR‑CECRI), Karaikudi.
Career and Appointments
Research & Institutional Leadership
Kalaiselvi joined CSIR‑CECRI as a scientist around 1997, gradually rising through research, technical, and leadership ranks. In February 2019, she became the Director of CSIR‑CECRI, making her the first woman to hold that position in the institute’s history.
On 7 August 2022, she was appointed as Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, becoming the first woman to head CSIR—a network of 38 national research laboratories with approximately 4,500 scientists. Her initial tenure was for two years.
In July 2024, her term as Director General, CSIR‑cum‑Secretary, DSIR was extended by two years beyond August 2024, subject to government approval.
Key Initiatives or Focus Areas
Kalaiselvi’s research over 25+ years has focused on electrochemical energy systems, battery materials, and sustainability. Her areas of expertise include lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and utilization of waste-to-wealth electrode materials for energy storage and electrocatalysis.
She holds over 125 scientific publications and six patents in related fields. As CSIR head, she has championed India’s innovation ecosystem by promoting electro‑mobility, clean energy technologies, and translating laboratory research into deployable national systems. Her leadership underscores institutional gender milestones and modern research priorities.
Summary
N. Kalaiselvi is a pioneering electrochemical scientist and institution builder. As Secretary of DSIR and ex‑officio Director General of CSIR, she leads India’s premier public R&D organization, advancing innovation in battery science, clean energy, and sustainable technology. Her elevation marks a historic milestone as the first woman to head CSIR, and her leadership continues to shape India’s scientific agenda.