On the fifth day of the Press Tour to Kerala organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, the 14-member media delegation from Srinagar visited the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR–NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, an interdisciplinary research laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. C. Anandharamakrishna, Director, CSIR–NIIST, who briefed the visiting journalists on the institute’s mandate, research philosophy and its emphasis on scientific excellence with a strong societal orientation. He also introduced the team of scientists and experts who interacted with the delegation. Dr. Athira Thampi, Deputy Director, PIB Thiruvananthapuram, was also present during the interaction. Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer and the Conducting officer for the Press Tour introduced the delegation.
Dr. U.S. Hareesh, Chief Scientist and Head, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, provided a comprehensive overview of CSIR–NIIST, elaborating on its major research verticals, completed and ongoing projects, human resource strength and research revenue generation. He highlighted key industry collaborations, major Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements, including a significant partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
During the interaction, the delegation was apprised of CSIR–NIIST’s work in diverse areas such as photochemistry, chemical–bioscience integration, advanced materials, bioprocess and product development, agro-processing, and value addition to region-specific natural resources. Scientists explained technologies developed by the institute, including biodegradable tableware, conversion of biomedical waste into soil additives, value-added soil enhancers, vaccine viral monitors based on colour-change indicators, on-site water treatment units, biodegradable products from agro-residue, plant-based leather alternatives, hydrogen as a green fuel, indoor light energy harvesting technologies, dye-sensitised cells, carbon dioxide capture and utilisation, and materials designed for enhanced absorption.
The delegation was also informed about CSIR–NIIST’s contributions to rural water supply and sanitation in Kerala, sustainable packaging solutions, global alternatives to plastics, and sustainable bottle technologies. Research initiatives on early cancer detection, particularly breast and cervical cancer using blood plasma, were discussed, with scientists clarifying that related studies are currently in the research stage. Queries from journalists on the role of artificial intelligence, plant-based leather technologies and rising cancer cases were addressed in detail. It was shared that several technologies developed by CSIR–NIIST have already been licensed to companies, facilitating commercialization and industry adoption.
Dr. Hareesh later led the delegation through the institute’s innovation museum. The visitors were given a walkthrough of laboratories and technology demonstration facilities, showcasing practical applications of scientific research and sustainable solutions. The visit underlined how advanced research can be translated into real-world applications that support agriculture, bio-products, advanced materials, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
The delegation was further briefed on CSIR–NIIST’s collaborations with industry and government agencies, and its role in nurturing technology-based entrepreneurship.
The five-day press tour to Kerala that started on 2nd February, 2026 is part of PIB’s media outreach programme aimed at providing journalists from Jammu & Kashmir firsthand exposure to key Central Government institutions, research ecosystems and national development initiatives.
