Human Resource Development (HRD)
Ph.D. programmes, internships, and skill development initiatives that build capacity across science communication, information management, and policy research.
As a national institution dedicated to science communication and policy research, CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) strives to build a vibrant ecosystem for learning, research, and professional development. By nurturing talent, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening institutional capacities, the institute is committed to developing skilled human resources in the fields of science communication, information management, policy research, knowledge dissemination and other interdisciplinary domains through academic programmes, research training, internships, and professional skill development initiatives.
These efforts promote scientific temper and nurture future scientists, researchers, information professionals, and science communicators capable of addressing national and global challenges at the interface of science, technology, society, and policy.
Ph.D Programme
CSIR-NIScPR offers a Ph.D. programme under the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) in the Faculty of Mathematical and Information Sciences (MIS). The programme provides scholars with opportunities to undertake high-quality interdisciplinary research aligned with the Institute's mandate.
Major Achievements
- Ph.D. (Sciences) programme under the Faculty of Mathematical and Information Sciences (MIS), with mandatory, inter-disciplinary, and advanced course tracks in science communication, science policy, and IPR.
- Academic Handbook — the first AcSIR–CSIR-NIScPR Ph.D. Programme Academic Handbook (ISBN: 978-81-7236-389-5), covering student details, faculty info, and academic activities.
- AcSIR Science Club (est. August 2024) — organizing events like the Photography Contest, the "Singularity" Science Festival, and the 14th Foundation Day celebration.
- Joint International Ph.D. (Cotutelle) Programme — three Ph.D. students from CSIR-NIScPR applied and received offers to pursue research at RMIT University, Australia.
- Research excellence — scholar publications in top SCI-indexed national and international journals.
- First Ph.D. degree awarded in the Hindi language under AcSIR at CSIR-NIScPR.
Programme Snapshot
Objective: To foster a highly skilled workforce in the field of STI Policy and Science Communication who play crucial roles as key connectors at the crossroads of Science, Technology, Industry, and Society.
9th
in Research Institution category, NIRF 2026
13th
in India
11th
in India
04
Mandatory courses
09
Inter-Disciplinary / Cross-Disciplinary
11
Advanced courses
Major Collaborations
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne
- RMIT University, Melbourne
- Deakin University, Melbourne
- University of Western Australia, Perth
- University of Agder, Norway
Skill Development & Professional Training
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) was formed by the merger of the erstwhile CSIR-NISCAIR (National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources) and CSIR-NISTADS (National Institute of Science Technology and Development Studies).
For several decades, CSIR-NIScPR has been conducting training programmes to build capacity among science communicators, R&D personnel, and library and information science professionals. These programmes are organized under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative and cover the following areas:
Training Programmes for FY 2026–27
CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative | Dr. K S Krishnan Marg, New Delhi–110012 / 14 Satsang Vihar Marg, New Delhi–110067
| # | Title | Duration | Dates | Fee — Indian Participants (INR) | Fee — Foreign Participants | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skill Training in Basics of Koha Software | 3 Days | 10 – 12 June 2026 | Rs. 1500 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1770/- (without accommodation) |
USD 150 | 08 June 2026 |
| 2 | Skill Training in Design, Development and Use of AI in Institutional Repositories using DSpace | 1 Week | 06 – 10 July 2026 | Rs. 2500 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 2950/- (without accommodation) |
USD 250 | 29 June 2026 |
| 3 | Skill Training in Science Communication and Emerging Trends | 2 Days | 04 – 05 August 2026 | Rs. 1000 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1180/- (without accommodation) |
USD 100 | 28 July 2026 |
| 4 | Skill Training in Popular Science Writing | 2 Days | 06 – 07 August 2026 | Rs. 1000 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1180/- (without accommodation) |
USD 100 | 30 July 2026 |
| 5 | Skill Training in Library Automation, Digitization and Artificial Intelligence for Libraries | 2 Weeks | 05 – 16 October 2026 | Rs. 5000 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 5900/- (without accommodation) |
USD 500 | 29 September 2026 |
| 6 | Skill Training in Artificial Intelligence for Libraries | 3 Days | 17 – 19 November 2026 | Rs. 1500 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1770/- (without accommodation) |
USD 150 | 10 November 2026 |
| 7 | Skill Training in Basics of DSpace Software | 3 Days | 15 – 17 December 2026 | Rs. 1500 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1770/- (without accommodation) |
USD 150 | 08 December 2026 |
| 8 | Skill Training in Library Automation using Koha | 1 Week | 18 – 22 January 2027 | Rs. 2500 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 2950/- (without accommodation) |
USD 250 | 11 January 2027 |
| 9 | Skill Training in Science Communication and Emerging Trends | 2 Days | 16 – 17 February 2027 | Rs. 1000 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1180/- (without accommodation) |
USD 100 | 09 February 2027 |
| 10 | Skill Training in Popular Science Writing | 2 Days | 18 – 19 February 2027 | Rs. 1000 + 18% GST Total: Rs. 1180/- (without accommodation) |
USD 100 | 11 February 2027 |
How to Apply
- Make the payment of the requisite fee in advance through NEFT/ECS/IMPS/UPI in the CSIR-NIScPR bank account: no. 110003874485 (CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi), CANARA BANK, Branch: NPL Campus Branch, New Delhi–110012, IFSC: CNRB0019100.
- Send the scanned copy of the filled-in application form (available on the CSIR-NIScPR website: www.niscpr.res.in) along with payment details through email to sdp.niscpr@cair.res.in.
- The participant will receive confirmation from CSIR-NIScPR after verification of credit of the course fee in the CSIR-NIScPR bank account.
For any further query, please write to sdp.niscpr@cair.res.in or contact: Mr. M S Ansari, Co-Nodal PI (7838149298) / Ms. Meetali Bharti, Nodal PI (9711031414) / Mr. Mukesh Pund, Head, Training Division.
Internship Programme
CSIR-NIScPR Internship — Open Throughout the Year. CSIR-NIScPR invites applications from UG, PG, and doctoral students for internships offering hands-on experience in science communication, science policy research, science writing, and knowledge dissemination at the interface of science, society, and governance. Students with interdisciplinary backgrounds and interest in science communication/policy are encouraged to apply.
705
Total Applications Received
68
Candidates Shortlisted for Internships
4 wks–6 mo
Internship Duration
Key Areas
Science Policy Research, Science Communication, Research Documentation & Knowledge Management, Library & Information Science Management, and IT/Data Science/AI-enabled knowledge systems.
Eligibility
Indian citizens currently enrolled in recognised universities/institutions (UG/PG/PhD).
Duration
4 weeks to 6 months. Extensions require Competent Authority approval.
Certification
Issued on satisfactory performance and submission of deliverables.
Documents Required
CV and Bonafide Certificate / Recommendation Letter from the parent institute.