ACADEMY OF SCIENTIFIC & INNOVATIVE RESEARCH (AcSIR)
Introduction
| Coordinator | Prof. (Dr) Vipan Kumar, Chief Scientist |
| Academic Secretariat | Ms Kirti Bansal (Technical Officer), Mr. Pulkit Minocha (Executive Assistant) |
| Fellowship In-charge | Dr. Avinash Prasad Kshitij (Senior Principal Scientist), Dr. Shiv Narayan Nishad (Principal Scientist), Ms Kirti Bansal (Technical Officer) |
Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) is a research Academy created by an Act of Indian Parliament to be an Institute of National Importance. AcSIR has adopted the mandate to create and train some of the best of tomorrow's Science & Technology leaders through a combination of innovative and novel curricula, pedagogy and evaluation. AcSIR's focus remains on imparting instruction and providing research opportunities in such areas that are not routinely taught in regular academic universities in India.
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), a premier institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, specializes in research and development in the fields of science communication, science policy, and information science. Established on January 14, 2021, CSIR-NIScPR emerged from the merger of two CSIR labs/institutes: CSIR-NISCAIR, focused on science communication, and CSIR-NISTADS, dedicated to science policy studies. Presently, CSIR-NIScPR offers all the courses taken under both the erstwhile institutes with a focus on Science Communication and Science Policy. Currently, 36 Ph.D. students are pursuing their research at the institute, and 32 students have successfully completed their Ph.D. degrees so far.
AcSIR – CSIR-NIScPR has introduced its first Academic Handbook on the Ph.D. programme, which includes students' details, faculty information and other academic activities. The Handbook is available at:
AcSIR Ph.D. Programme – Academic Handbook (PDF)PROGRAM & COURSES
CSIR-NIScPR offers a Ph.D. (Sciences) Programme under the Faculty of Mathematical and Information Sciences (MIS).
Research Excellence — Top Journals
| Journal Name | Approx. Impact Factor |
|---|---|
| Journal of Nature Conservation | 1.7 |
| Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences | 2.3 |
| Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy | 1.3 |
| Journal of Scientometric Research | 0.8 |
| Journal of Informetrics | 3.9 |
| Current Science | 1.1 |
| Asian Biotechnology and Development Review | 0.25 |
Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) is a research Academy created by an Act of Indian Parliament to be an Institute of National Importance. AcSIR has adopted the mandate to create and train some of the best of tomorrow's Science & Technology leaders through a combination of innovative and novel curricula, pedagogy and evaluation. AcSIR's focus remains on imparting instruction and providing research opportunities in such areas that are not routinely taught in regular academic universities in India.
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), a premier institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, specializes in research and development in the fields of science communication, science policy, and information science. Established on January 14, 2021, CSIR-NIScPR emerged from the merger of two CSIR labs/institutes: CSIR-NISCAIR, focused on science communication, and CSIR-NISTADS, dedicated to science policy studies. Presently, CSIR-NIScPR offers all the courses taken under both the erstwhile institutes with a focus on Science Communication and Science Policy. Currently, 36 Ph.D. students are pursuing their research at the institute, and 32 students have successfully completed their Ph.D. degrees so far.
AcSIR – CSIR-NIScPR has introduced its first Academic Handbook on the Ph.D. programme, which includes students' details, faculty information and other academic activities. The Handbook is available at:
AcSIR Ph.D. Programme – Academic Handbook (PDF)Course Details
| Sr. No. | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AcSIR-46-RM | Research Methodology | 4 | Dr. Yogesh Suman (Course Coordinator) |
| 2 | AcSIR-46-RPE | Research Publication and Ethics | 2 | Dr. Kanika Malik (Course Coordinator) |
| 3 | AcSIR-IP | Intellectual Property Rights Management | 1 | Conducted by CSIR-IPU Faculty |
| 4 | AcSIR-46-SP | Societal Program | 4 | Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta (AcSIR) |
| Sr. No. | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AcSIR-46-ID-001 | Foundations of Mathematics | 1 | Dr. Naresh Kumar; Dr. Shiv Narayan Nishad |
| 2 | AcSIR-46-ID-002 | An Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 1 | Dr. Vipan Kumar; Dr. Vinayak |
| 3 | AcSIR-46-ID-006 | Resource Planning & Policy (RPP) | 1 | Dr. Kasturi Mandal; Dr. Avinash Kshitij |
| 4 | AcSIR-46-ID-007 | S&T Strategic Management | 1 | Dr. Yogesh Suman |
| 5 | AcSIR-46-ID-008 | Basics of Bioinformatics | 1 | Dr. Charu Lata |
| 6 | AcSIR-46-ID-009 | Environment and Climate Change Communication | 1 | Dr. N.K. Sahoo; Dr. Sandhiya Lakshmanan |
| 7 | AcSIR-46-ID-010 | Health Communication | 1 | Dr. Arvind Kumar |
| 8 | AcSIR-46-ID-011 | Patent Informatics | 1 | Dr. T.K. Jana |
| 9 | AcSIR-46-ID-013 | Scientometrics | 1 | Dr. N.K. Prasanna |
| Sr. No. | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-015 | Science and Technology Systems – India and the World | 2 | Dr. Kasturi Mandal; Dr. Avinash Kshitij |
| 2 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-016 | Technology Future Studies (TFS) | 2 | Dr. Kasturi Mandal; Dr. Avinash Kshitij |
| 3 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-017 | Introduction to Public Health Policy | 2 | Dr. Suman Ray |
| 4 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-020 | Intellectual Property Rights in the Context of Research, Innovation and Development | 2 | Dr. T.K. Jana |
| 5 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-021 | Science, Technology & Innovation Governance | 2 | Dr. Meher Wan |
| 6 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-022 | Popular Science Writing | 3 | Dr. Manish Mohan Gore; Dr. Paramananda Barman |
| 7 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-023 | Science Communication | 3 | Dr. Puspanjali Tripathy; Dr. Monika Jaggi |
| 8 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-024 | Communicating Science Through Social Media | 2 | Dr. Paramananda Barman |
| 9 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-025 | Science Journalism | 3 | Ms. Meetali Bharati |
| 10 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-026 | Audio Visual Media and Science Film Production | 2 | Dr. Paramananda Barman |
| 11 | AcSIR-46-MIS-AD-027 | Research Communication | 2 | Dr. N.K. Prasanna; Dr. Sandhiya Lakshmanan |
PH.D. ALUMNI
Ph.D. Degree conferred by AcSIR–CSIR-NIScPR:
| Sr. No. | Student Name | Thesis Title | Supervisor | Completed (Month, Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manjari Rain | Impact of sanitation, nutrition and immunization on child health: A comparative study from two urban slums of Delhi | Dr. Y. Madhavi | August 2020 |
| 2 | Debajana Dey | Science and policy convergence in livestock breeding and biodiversity in India | Dr. Suman Ray | November 2020 |
| 3 | Abhishek Kumar | Mathematical modelling and development of decision support system | Dr. Naresh Kumar | December 2020 |
| 4 | Anurag Kanaujia | Innovation, regulation and governance: Study of genetically modified (GM) crops in India | Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya | December 2020 |
| 5 | Shilpa | Indo-French S&T collaboration and its impact on innovation system: Case study of bilateral S&T organisations | Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya | June 2022 |
| 6 | Priyamvadah Kinth | Nutraceuticals as dietary supplements: An assessment of consumer experience | Dr. Yogesh Suman | September 2022 |
| 7 | Biju D | Gender and geographical dimensions of science communication in India: A case study of Science Reporter | Dr. G. Mahesh | December 2022 |
| 8 | Praveen Rawat | Determinants of innovative behaviour of firms – Evidence from Indian National Innovation Survey | Dr. L. Pulamte | April 2023 |
| 9 | Suvita Rani | India's Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Right Act: Implications for Agriculture Innovation System | Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya | May 2023 |
| 10 | Umang Gupta | Role of institutions in creation of ecosystem for technology-based startups in India | Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya | June 2023 |
| 11 | Priti | Resource potential of biodegradable waste: Quantification and pathways | Dr. Vipan Kumar | September 2023 |
| 12 | Ankita Rathore | Public Perception of Nanotechnology in India | Dr. G. Mahesh | October 2023 |
| 13 | Manoj Varghese | A comparative study on the impact of interventions to popularise science in Delhi Schools | Dr. Manish Mohan Gore | December 2023 |
| 14 | Navneet Kumar Gupta | Science Communication through popular Hindi science magazine in India: Case study | Dr. G. Mahesh | April 2024 |
| 15 | Aneep Kumar | Energy requirement, resources and future management: Role of science communication | Dr. Shobhna Choudhary | May 2024 |
| 16 | Rita Theodore | The Role of Science Communication in Eradicating Potential Risk of Paramedics During Outbreak of Contagious Diseases | Dr. N.K. Prasanna | November 2024 |
| 17 | Ishita Goyal | Structural Barriers and Policy Challenges in Translation of Personalized Medicine in India | Dr. Y. Madhavi | January 2025 |
| 18 | Tarun Kumar Jain | Study on Vaigyanik Rishtikon Newspaper as an Effective Tool for Public Awareness of Science in Jaipur District, Rajasthan | Dr. Shobhna Choudhary | February 2025 |
| 19 | B.K. Paliwal | A Study on Public Awareness of Food Labelling Practices for Edible Oils and Fats in India | Dr. Meher Wan | February 2025 |
| 20 | Shweta Shrivastri | E-waste: A Study of Awareness, Problems, Policies and Role of Science Communication | Dr. Shobhna Choudhary | April 2025 |
| 21 | Prajith K.K | A Study on Selected Invasive Insect Pests of Agriculture in South India – Innovation and Policy Imperatives | Dr. Vipan Kumar | June 2025 |
| 22 | Kavita Verma | Science Communication in Pandemic Times: A Critical Analysis of COVID-19 | Dr. Puspanjali Tripathy | August 2025 |
| 23 | Vijay Laxmi | Communication Role in HIV/AIDS in India: Prevention, Control & Its Changing Behaviour | Dr. Manish Mohan Gore | September 2025 |
| 24 | Chandrashekhar Jaysing Chavan | Stem Cell Research and Therapy in India: Current Scenario and Policy Concerns | Dr. Suman Ray | November 2025 |
| 25 | Sabita Yadav | Mapping and Science Communication of Genomics Research in Psychiatry | Dr. G. Mahesh | November 2025 |
| 26 | Kapil Kumar Tripathi | Science Communication through Over-The-Top (OTT) Platforms: A Case Study | Dr. G. Mahesh | February 2026 |
| 27 | Akansha Trehan | Analysis of Capacity Building Scheme for Evidence-Based Policy Making – A case study of CSIR-JRF | Dr. Charu Lata | February 2026 |
| 28 | Adarsh Raghuvanshi | Inferring Components for Science Policy Requisite for Research Collaborations | Dr. Vinayak | May 2026 |
| 29 | Kirti Tyagi | Global, national and regional influences on tuberculosis policy in India | Dr. Y. Madhavi | May 2026 |
| 30 | Deepa Moni Doley | Biodiversity communication: current scenario and implications for sustainable wildlife management in North-East India | Dr. Paramananda Barman | May 2026 |
| 31 | Jyoti Sharma | Health system challenges in implementation of cervical cancer screening program in district of south Delhi: an evidence informed situation analysis | Dr. Vipan Kumar | May 2026 |
| 32 | Anuj Raj Singh | Assessment of impact of air pollution on health and policy intervention: a case study of metropolitan cities in India | Dr. Shiv Narayan Nishad | June 2026 |
SCIENCE CLUB
The AcSIR–CSIR-NIScPR Science Club, established in the August 2024 session, serves as a common platform for AcSIR scholars at CSIR-NIScPR to come together and exchange ideas on various aspects of science. The club encourages discussions on the culture and history of science, emerging scientific developments, and the broader relationship between science and society.
Through its activities and participation from students across different subjects and departments, the Science Club seeks to promote interdisciplinary interaction and a broader understanding of scientific and societal issues. It aims to create an open environment where ideas can be shared freely and diverse perspectives can be appreciated.
Since its establishment, the following activities have been organized under the Science Club:
1. Photography Contest
The Club's first task was evaluating submissions for a photography contest held in August 2024. The contest focused on various scientific topics, namely Environment, Technology, Nature and Climate.
- The Science Club acted as the evaluation team for the contest.
- After detailed review, the shortlisted photographs were submitted to AcSIR for final approval.
The best three photographs, based on the theme, are shown below:
Moumita Mazumdar, Nature
Abhinav Banit, Climate Change
Raghul M R, Technology
2. Science Festival
The first AcSIR Science Club event, “Singularity”, was a collaborative effort organized by CSIR-NIScPR, CSIR-IGIB, CSIR-CRRI, and CSIR-NPL, and hosted by CSIR-IGIB on 20th September 2024. The active involvement of these institutions was instrumental in planning the event, managing participant entries, and promoting the festival, resulting in a well-organized, community-driven celebration of science.
Students from CSIR-NIScPR enthusiastically participated in various competitions during the Science Festival. The NIScPR Rangoli team secured second place, showcasing the creative talents of Ms. Himani Meena, Mr. Shekhar Sharma, and Mr. Prajith KK. In the Science Fiction Competition, Ms. Moumita Mazumdar and Mr. Pranjal proudly achieved runner-up positions. Moreover, Mr. Ajay Sharma captivated the audience with his winning performance in Stand-up Comedy, which became a highlight of the event.
Moumita Mazumdar, Nature
Abhinav Banit, Climate Change
Raghul M R, Technology
Moumita Mazumdar, Nature
Abhinav Banit, Climate Change
Moumita Mazumdar, Nature
AcSIR 14th Foundation Day
The AcSIR Science Club at CSIR-NIScPR celebrated the 14th Foundation Day of AcSIR on 6 April 2026 with enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, students, and staff under the theme “AcSIR: The Journey towards Viksit Bharat – 2047.” The event featured a series of engaging and interactive activities, including a Picto-Quiz, GenZ Slang competition, and other fun sessions, fostering scientific interaction and student–faculty engagement.
Winners of the competitions were awarded prizes during the prize distribution ceremony. The celebration also included an invited online lecture by Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki on sustainability, energy transition, and nation-building, which was attended with great interest by the participants. In recognition of its creative contribution, the AcSIR Science Club at CSIR-NIScPR was awarded the Second Prize in the Reels Competition organized by AcSIR on the occasion of the 14th Foundation Day — a memorable and intellectually enriching celebration that reinforced the institution's vision towards Viksit Bharat–2047.
Moumita Mazumdar, Nature
Moumita Mazumdar, Nature
JOINT INTERNATIONAL PH.D. PROGRAMME FOR ACSIR STUDENTS
Admissions to AcSIR's Joint Ph.D. (Cotutelle) Programme are conducted annually. Notifications regarding available positions, eligibility criteria, and application processes are published on the AcSIR website and circulated via official communication channels.
Three Ph.D. scholars from CSIR-NIScPR received offer letters from RMIT University, Melbourne.
Partners
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne
- RMIT University, Melbourne
- Deakin University, Melbourne
- University of Western Australia, Perth
- University of Agder, Norway
CONTACT
- E-mail: coordinator.niscpr@acsir.res.in; acsir.niscpr@csir.res.in
- AcSIR Website: http://acsir.res.in
- AcSIR Facebook: facebook.com/AcSIR.India
- AcSIR Twitter: twitter.com/AcSIR_India