Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India was constituted in 1942 as an autonomous body under the provision of the Registration of Societies Act XXI of 1860. After independence, the need for bettering the living standards of the common man by promoting industry and for helping the industry to solve its problems through stimulus of scientific research was greatly stressed. The Council, through its constituent laboratories, has helped the country in increasing the economic growth and industrialization.

The Council has also helped the creation of new schools of research and in enlarging facilities for research by means of grants, training of research personnel, etc.

The main functions of the Council are :

• Promotion, guidance and coordination of scientific and industrial research in India including other institutions and financing the specific research activities.

• Scientific study of problems affecting industries and trade.

• Award of Research Fellowships.

• Utilization of the results of researches conducted under the Council towards the development of industries in India.

• The establishment, maintenance and management of laboratories, workshops and organizations to further scientific and industrial research.

• The collection and dissemination of information in regard not only to research but also to industrial matters generally.

• Publication of scientific papers.

• Other activities to promote generally the objects of resolution.

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India is perhaps among the world's largest publicly funded R&D organisation. Its chain of 38 world class R&D establishments with their 80 field stations spread across India are manned by highly qualified scientists and engineers, besides auxiliary and other staff. Its range of activities cover practically the entire spectrum of industrial R&D ranging from aerospace to mining to microelectronics to metallurgy and so on. CSIR is truly a global R&D resource as its patrons and partners hail from over 50 countries.