Dr N Kalaiselvi given extension as Director General- CSIR
Dr. (Ms.) N Kalaiselvi presently Director General- Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research-cum-Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has been given extension for a further period beyond 07.08.2026 till the date of her superannuation i.e. 28.02.2027 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi is one of India’s foremost electrochemists and an internationally respected scientist whose pioneering contributions to electrochemical energy storage have significantly advanced the country’s research capabilities in batteries, supercapacitors and sustainable energy technologies. With over three decades of dedicated research, she has emerged as a leading authority in lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries and advanced electrochemical systems. Her work has not only strengthened India’s indigenous research ecosystem but has also supported the nation’s growing emphasis on clean energy, electric mobility and self-reliance in advanced battery technologies.
Born on 5 February 1967, Dr. Kalaiselvi pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Government Arts College, Tirunelveli, affiliated with Madurai Kamaraj University. She completed her Master’s degree in Chemistry from Government Arts College, Coimbatore, before earning her Ph.D. from Annamalai University, Chidambaram. Her academic journey laid the foundation for an exceptional research career devoted to understanding and improving electrochemical power systems.
Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Dr. Kalaiselvi embarked on a research career that has spanned more than twenty-five years, focusing primarily on electrochemical energy storage. Her research has centred on the development of advanced electrode materials, custom-designed synthesis methodologies, optimisation of reaction parameters and electrochemical evaluation of materials for high-performance energy storage devices. Her work reflects a balanced integration of fundamental science and application-oriented research, enabling laboratory innovations to progress towards practical deployment.
A major area of her expertise lies in the development of modified electrode materials for high-energy and high-power lithium battery applications. She has made significant contributions towards designing novel and tailor-made electrodes suitable for both aqueous and non-aqueous lithium battery systems. Her research has expanded the understanding of material chemistry while addressing practical challenges associated with battery performance, durability and safety.
Dr. Kalaiselvi has also made substantial advances in the development of polymer-based electrolytes. Her investigations into polymer films as electrolytes have contributed to improving battery efficiency and operational stability. In addition, she has undertaken pioneering research on ionic liquid-based electrodes and electrolytes, exploring safer and more efficient alternatives for next-generation electrochemical devices. Her work on bio-ionic liquid crystalline electrolytes has further expanded the electrochemical potential window, opening new possibilities for advanced energy storage technologies.
Beyond lithium-ion batteries, Dr. Kalaiselvi has been actively engaged in developing practically viable sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries and supercapacitors. These technologies are increasingly regarded as critical components of future energy storage systems due to their potential to deliver higher energy densities, lower costs and greater sustainability. Her continuing research in these emerging areas reflects her long-standing commitment to addressing future energy challenges through scientific innovation.
Dr. Kalaiselvi has successfully executed numerous extramural, collaborative and sponsored research projects supported by organisations including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Her ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific collaborations has been a defining feature of her research career.
One of her most significant achievements came as the Nodal Scientist for the prestigious MULTIFUN (Multifunctional Electrodes and Electrolytes for Futuristic Technologies) programme under the Twelfth Five-Year Plan. Sponsored by CSIR with an outlay of ₹68.54 crore, the project was coordinated by CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI) as the nodal laboratory, with six other CSIR laboratories participating. Under her scientific leadership between 2012 and 2017, the project achieved notable success and was graded “Excellent” by the Sectoral Monitoring Committee chaired by Prof. Baldevraj, reflecting both its scientific quality and technological relevance.
Her contributions extend well beyond laboratory research into national technology missions. As a nominee of CSIR-CECRI, Dr. Kalaiselvi has actively participated in numerous meetings convened by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) from 2015 onwards to facilitate the implementation of electric mobility in India through indigenous technological capabilities. Her expertise has contributed significantly to shaping India’s battery technology roadmap for electric vehicles.
She played an instrumental role in coordinating the preparation of the Technical Report on the National Mission for Electric Mobility (NMEM) in collaboration with academic institutions, research organisations and industry partners identified by TIFAC. She also contributed to the preparation of the Mobility Mission Concept Note initiated by MNRE, highlighting her active involvement in national-level policy support for electric mobility and advanced battery technologies.
Within CSIR, Dr. Kalaiselvi served as the Theme Director for Energy and Energy Devices (E2D), with CSIR-CECRI functioning as the nodal laboratory. In this leadership role, she guided collaborative research initiatives across multiple laboratories, strengthening interdisciplinary research in energy storage, electrochemical devices and emerging clean energy technologies.
Her research interests today encompass lithium and post-lithium battery technologies, supercapacitors, waste-to-wealth approaches for electrode and electrolyte development, and electrocatalytic applications aimed at sustainable energy systems. By integrating materials science, electrochemistry and engineering principles, she continues to contribute towards developing technologies that support renewable energy integration, electric transportation and environmentally sustainable industrial practices.
Over the course of her distinguished scientific career, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi has consistently demonstrated how rigorous research, collaborative leadership and technological innovation can contribute to national development. Her work has strengthened India’s capabilities in advanced energy storage, fostered indigenous research excellence and supported the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. As one of India’s leading electrochemical scientists, she continues to inspire the scientific community through her enduring commitment to research, innovation and the advancement of technologies that hold the promise of transforming the nation’s energy future.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Dr. N Kalaiselvi the very best.