CSIR’s ASPIRE‑SHAKTI Event Highlights Women Researchers, Plans for Commercialisation and Inclusion

Overview The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research ( CSIR ) organised ASPIRE‑SHAKTI on 12 July 2026 at its New Delhi headquarters. The function brought together principal investigators of the ASPIRE scheme, research fellows and members of the subject‑area committees from across India. Key Developments Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the DSIR and Director‑General of CSIR, released the ASPIRE‑SHAKTI Compendium , documenting the scheme’s achievements. The DG highlighted low participation from the North‑East and Ladakh and urged outreach to Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 city institutions. About 20–30 top projects will be supported for commercialisation by linking researchers with start‑ups and innovation partners. Mid‑term project review sessions were launched to assess progress and guide translational pathways. Important Facts 2,878 proposals from 969 institutions were received; 301 women researchers (≈10 %) were funded as independent principal investigators. Disciplinary spread: Life Sciences (152), Engineering Sciences (54), Inter/Trans‑disciplinary (37), Chemical Sciences (34), Physical Sciences (25). Outputs so far: >253 publications in SCI‑indexed journals , >15 patent filings, 20+ international conference presentations. Training impact: >300 research fellows, including JRFs , SRFs and Research Associates. UPSC Relevance The event illustrates how the Indian government uses targeted schemes to promote gender inclusion in science, a topic relevant to GS III: Science & Technology . Understanding the structure of CSIR, the role of DSIR, and the mechanisms of research funding helps answer questions on science policy, human‑resource development, and innovation ecosystems. The focus on commercialisation links to the broader agenda of translating research into industry, a key point in questions on Make‑in‑India and technology transfer. Way Forward To improve regional balance, CSIR plans outreach programmes in the North‑East and Ladakh, and will encourage participation from universities in Tier‑2/3 cities. Strengthening the link between funded projects and start‑ups will boost the commercial impact of women‑led research. Continuous monitoring through the review sessions will ensure that the ASPIRE scheme remains a flagship model for inclusive scientific advancement.