I do understand the visit to our website might be for various reasons: like, what we can offer in terms of technical & technological solutions, what services including training/skilling this institute can render, what HR opportunities it bestows, what new science the institute has been doing and positioning internationally, what intellectual value it has or possibly a craving to study the S&T scenario of public funded research institutions like ours, to name a few.

CSIR-CSMCRI is one of the premier research institutes in the country, working in the area of marine resources. Our major thrust areas of research include salt and marine chemicals, membrane-based desalination & separation processes, catalysis for marine based organic chemicals, specialty inorganic materials, renewable energy, and waste-to-wealth creation processes. We also intensely carry out research on plant molecular biology & biotechnology with special emphasis on seaweeds, microalgae, and halophytes – their cultivation and downstream processing. We conduct in depth research on saline waste management for value recovery, environmental impact assessment, and building human resource through S&T led sustainable innovations that caters to enhance the well-being of the society and nation at large with an endeavour of enabling a circular economy.

It is my privilege and pleasure to present here the recent happenings of the institute, covering for the year 2021-22. I briefly try to cover the core research, efforts, and achievements of the institute during the period with introspection, which will guide us for a better tomorrow.

CSIR-CSMCRI with the motto of “Innovation that reaches people” works for developing innovative technologies & translating them for nation building. In the reported period, we have licensed two important technologies. One of the technologies involve in the development of integrated process for the simultaneous recovery of liquid fertilizer (sap) and carrageenan from fresh seaweed-Kappaphycus alvarezii could have a direct impact on the livelihood of the farmers. The other technology is the development of a chemically stable cation exchange membrane that has huge applications in chlor-alkali industries.

In addition, several new know-hows have been developed, 21 Indian and foreign patents have been filed and 15 have been already granted during this period. We also have undertaken around 26 projects of different nature with renowned industries such as Adani Enterprise Ltd, ONGC energy centre, Pidilite Industries, and other government organizations that include Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation, Gujarat Council of Science & Technology, Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar and with Ministry of Jal Sakti.

Despite restrictions due to 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the institute tirelessly carried out basic & applied research. Relentless efforts made by the scientists, students, and technical manpower are reflected in the volume and quality of research papers in peer-reviewed journals of international repute (more than 250) with an average impact factor of more than 5 (cumulative impact around 1300, highest in the history of this institute), & numerous book chapters published with the reputed international publishers. Several of our scientists have been recognized with prestigious national/international awards & fellowships. Many of our scientists and students were deputed abroad under various programs. Other than participating and representing the institute in various symposiums, conferences, and workshops, we also organized many events to disseminate the knowledge to the scientific community. The institute has also organized many guest lectures from eminent scientists and industrial personnel during the period.

On the front of Human Resource Development, 25 students working at CSMCRI earned their Ph.D. degrees through AcSIR and around 140 students had undergone internships/ short-term training programmes during the period. The institute currently has a large number of young researchers who are extremely passionate and have tremendous zeal to work on several of these domains complimented by wisdom and experience of senior researchers. The institute has world class centralized instrumentation analytical facility, knowledge resource platforms backed up with state-of-art information services and an augmented engineering services division with a creative workshop.

CSIR-CSMCRI is always inclined toward societal activities, serving the scientific and common community. One such classic demonstration being providing drinking water to the affected people of Tauktae in Gujarat and Konkan floods in Maharashtra through their mobile desalination plants. We have trained around 550 members in different areas during this period under the skill development programs. To enhance the livelihood of the rural community, around 200 aspirants, mostly fishermen and fisherwomen, were trained in seaweed cultivation technology.

Further, in the direction of enhancing R&D collaboration with industries, academics, and other research laboratories, the Institute has signed 29 MoUs during the period. I thank all the sponsoring agencies, industrial partners, and technology licensees for their support and trust. No wonder when SCIMAGO announced their ranking recently, the institute at 33rd position in India among the 331 institutions it assessed.

This year, the institute had performance appraisal board meeting to assess the performance and provide direction for the institute. After due deliberation followed by research council meeting, the vision of the institute has been pruned with a clear focus namely “Explore harness, and transform marine resources for the good of the people of India” and with the mission on three verticals namely “Marine Products & Processes, Marine Biology and Marine Environment”.

The institute has a great passion to contribute to the welfare of society and industry through its scientific and technological interventions. I am sure you would be looking either for benefiting or contributing in this endeavour. Come and be part of us in making our society/industry better. As we are celebrating India @ 75 through Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, we shall jointly create proud moments for India through Scientific & Technological interventions in the years to come.

Should there be suggestions/improvements/inclusions would you like to offer, please feel free to drop a mail @ director@csmcri.res.in