India’s premier scientific and medical research organisations, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have agreed to strengthen collaboration on health research. Leaders from both bodies held a high-level meeting to outline joint initiatives under the country’s One Health Mission.
The discussions focused on reviewing ongoing projects, including CSIR-developed molecules progressing to clinical trials and ICMR-supported research centres within CSIR laboratories. Expanding pathogen surveillance in hospitals, communities, and cities was highlighted as a priority, helping India respond better to public health challenges.
Both organisations clarified their respective roles in developing new drugs, testing them in clinical trials, and using ICMR’s large-animal toxicity testing facilities. This clear division of responsibilities is expected to accelerate research and reduce duplication of efforts.
The meeting also addressed supporting young researchers. CSIR and ICMR plan to expand opportunities through their joint AcSIR–ICMR PhD programme and by combining fellowships. This initiative is aimed at fostering new talent in biomedical research and health sciences.
Technology development was another key topic. Officials discussed faster, coordinated creation of critical tools, including a digital medical-emergency drone service to improve healthcare delivery. Collaboration will also extend to emerging fields like diagnostics, digital health, environmental health surveillance, and biomedical innovation.
Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, emphasised that combining CSIR’s scientific and technological expertise with ICMR’s public health mandate could produce significant national outcomes. They believe the partnership will strengthen India’s capacity to address health challenges, improve healthcare solutions, and boost the country’s research ecosystem.
Also Read: Arunachal woman detained in Shanghai
