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 analysis laboratory beneath 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, analysis philosophy and its emphasis on scientific excellence with a robust societal orientation. He additionally launched the staff of scientists and specialists who interacted with the delegation. Dr. Athira Thampi, Deputy Director, PIB Thiruvananthapuram, was additionally current in the course of the interplay. Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer and the Conducting officer for the Press Tour launched the delegation.
Dr. U.S. Hareesh, Chief Scientist and Head, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, supplied a complete overview of CSIR–NIIST, elaborating on its main analysis verticals, accomplished and ongoing tasks, human useful resource power and analysis income technology. He highlighted key trade collaborations, main Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements, together with a big partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
During the interplay, the delegation was apprised of CSIR–NIIST’s work in numerous areas equivalent to photochemistry, chemical–bioscience integration, superior supplies, bioprocess and product growth, agro-processing, and worth addition to region-specific pure assets. Scientists defined applied sciences developed by the institute, together with biodegradable tableware, conversion of biomedical waste into soil components, value-added soil enhancers, vaccine viral screens based mostly on colour-change indicators, on-site water therapy models, biodegradable merchandise from agro-residue, plant-based leather-based options, hydrogen as a inexperienced gas, indoor gentle vitality harvesting applied sciences, dye-sensitised cells, carbon dioxide seize and utilisation, and supplies designed for enhanced absorption.
The delegation was additionally knowledgeable about CSIR–NIIST’s contributions to rural water provide and sanitation in Kerala, sustainable packaging options, international options to plastics, and sustainable bottle applied sciences. Research initiatives on early most cancers detection, significantly breast and cervical most cancers utilizing blood plasma, have been mentioned, with scientists clarifying that associated research are at the moment within the analysis stage. Queries from journalists on the position of synthetic intelligence, plant-based leather-based applied sciences and rising most cancers instances have been addressed intimately. It was shared that a number of applied sciences developed by CSIR–NIIST have already been licensed to corporations, facilitating commercialization and trade adoption.
Dr. Hareesh later led the delegation by the institute’s innovation museum. The guests got a walkthrough of laboratories and know-how demonstration services, showcasing sensible functions of scientific analysis and sustainable options. The go to underlined how superior analysis might be translated into real-world functions that help agriculture, bio-products, superior supplies, environmental sustainability and inclusive financial progress.
The delegation was additional briefed on CSIR–NIIST’s collaborations with trade and authorities businesses, and its position in nurturing technology-based entrepreneurship.
The five-day press tour to Kerala that began on 2nd February, 2026 is a part of PIB’s media outreach programme aimed at offering journalists from Jammu & Kashmir firsthand publicity to key Central Government establishments, analysis ecosystems and nationwide growth initiatives.