Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Addresses 9th Convocation of AcSIR
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 9th Convocation of the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and highlighted the institution’s progress and academic initiatives. He noted that the i-PhD program launched by AcSIR in 2023 represents an academic approach that connects imagination and innovation with industry.
Minister Highlights AcSIR’s Growth and Academic Impact
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that AcSIR, which is just over a decade old, has emerged as one of India’s transformative scientific institutions. He noted that the Academy has achieved progress beyond its years by bringing together scientific talent across CSIR, ICMR, DST, ICAR, MoES, and universities. He added that India is moving toward stronger academia-industry linkages, enabling young scholars to imagine, innovate, and participate in emerging sectors.
The Minister explained that the i-PhD program reflects this direction, with the letter i signifying industry, imagination, and innovation. He said that every i-PhD scholar is required to develop technology relevant to translational research or startups, ensuring that research training aligns with industry needs.
AcSIR’s Role in National Scientific Advancement
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that AcSIR represents a convergence of science, education, governance, and national aspiration in line with India’s path toward a Viksit Bharat. He said that the institution’s rapid rise showcases the emphasis on science and innovation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where scientific thinking supports economic growth, technology missions, and global competitiveness.
He highlighted that AcSIR currently hosts nearly 7,000 students who are mentored by more than 3,100 scientists across 79 campuses. He said the institution functions as a shared national university drawing scholars from various disciplines and serving as a platform for research dialogue and collaboration.
AcSIR’s Founding Vision and Student Engagement
Reflecting on AcSIR’s establishment, the Minister said it began as an experiment aimed at creating an institutional pathway for research beyond conventional academic boundaries. He noted that while the concept was not immediately understood by all, the growth of campuses and demand demonstrated that the country was ready for such an initiative.
He added that AcSIR’s success stems not only from administrative support but also from the interest of young people who view research and innovation as meaningful career avenues linked to startups and livelihoods. He said such programs provide researchers with sustainable opportunities as entrepreneurs, consultants, and technology developers.
Contribution to India’s Technological and Economic Aspirations
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that as India advances from being the fifth-largest economy to a leading global economy, the growth will be driven by innovation, technology, and industry. He said AcSIR’s scholars have the opportunity to contribute to areas such as deep-tech, health research, sustainable agriculture, climate science, and frontier technologies.
National and International Recognition
The Minister noted that AcSIR’s excellence is reflected in its improvement across rankings, including 9th in NIRF 2025 in the Research Category, top 3.5 percent globally in CWUR 2025, 10th in the Nature Index, and 9th in Scimago 2025. He said the institution has produced more than 25,000 publications, secured numerous patents, and awarded 831 PhDs in 2024, making it India’s largest doctoral research institution in STEM.
He said AcSIR is expanding internationally through collaborations with RMIT University, Deakin University, the University of Western Australia, Turku University in Finland, the University of Melbourne, AIST in Japan, and other institutions. These partnerships support joint supervision, dual-degree options, and access to global research facilities.
Academic and Intellectual Ecosystem
The Minister appreciated AcSIR for building an active intellectual environment through initiatives such as the AcSIR Science Club, the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Transdisciplinary Lecture Series, and the annual magazine Bravura, which showcase student creativity and engagement.
Dignitaries and Institutional Leadership
At the beginning of his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the presence of Chancellor Prof. P. Balaram, NITI Aayog Member Dr. V.K. Paul, Mrs. Piramal, CSIR Director General Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, and CSIR-IMTECH Director Dr. Manoj Dhar. He commended Prof. Dhar for his leadership and contributions to one of the youngest CSIR institutions.
Minister’s Message to Graduates
Dr. Jitendra Singh said AcSIR stands at the center of India’s scientific future as a young, research-oriented, and nationally aligned institution. He encouraged graduating scholars to uphold the spirit of innovation and contribute to building a technologically self-reliant and globally competitive India.