AcSIR
About AcSIR
The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) was established under the leadership and vision of Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari,
The Establishment of AcSIR:
• Conceptualized by: Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari
• Established: By an Act of Parliament in 2010.
• Functioning Since: 2011
• Legal Status: An Institution of National Importance under the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research Act, 2011.
• Established: By an Act of Parliament in 2010.
• Functioning Since: 2011
• Legal Status: An Institution of National Importance under the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research Act, 2011.
Purpose and Vision:
Prof. Brahmachari envisioned AcSIR as a unique Institution that would:
• Provide high-quality research-driven education in science and engineering.
• Leverage the vast scientific infrastructure and human resource of CSIR laboratories across India.
• Offer flexible, interdisciplinary PhD programs and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
• Provide high-quality research-driven education in science and engineering.
• Leverage the vast scientific infrastructure and human resource of CSIR laboratories across India.
• Offer flexible, interdisciplinary PhD programs and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Structure and Model:
• Unlike conventional universities, AcSIR operates across 40+ CSIR labs in India.
• Students are registered at AcSIR, but they conduct research within CSIR labs under the mentorship of CSIR scientists.
• Programs offered include PhD in Science and Engineering, Integrated M.Tech-PhD and PG diplomas.
• Students are registered at AcSIR, but they conduct research within CSIR labs under the mentorship of CSIR scientists.
• Programs offered include PhD in Science and Engineering, Integrated M.Tech-PhD and PG diplomas.
Prof. Brahmachari’s Role/contribution:Final word
As Director General of CSIR (2007–2013), he was instrumental in:
• Designing the institutional framework for AcSIR.
• Securing government support and legislative approval.
• Advocating a non-traditional, research-first education model.
• Designing the institutional framework for AcSIR.
• Securing government support and legislative approval.
• Advocating a non-traditional, research-first education model.
He described AcSIR as a “meta-university”, focused on collaborative, interdisciplinary, and application-driven education- a bold step to redefine scientific education in India.
The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) has significantly impacted India’s scientific research and higher education landscape. Established under the leadership of Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari, AcSIR has grown into the country’s largest doctoral research institution in STEM fields.
Academic Excellence & Research Output
• PhD Degrees Awarded: In 2024, AcSIR awarded 831 PhD degrees were awarded, reflecting its substantial contribution to advanced research education in India.
• Student Enrolment: Currently, over 6,500 students are enrolled in PhD programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, and medical research.
• Research Publications: In 2022, AcSIR contributed 2,997 research papers published in reputed, indexed journals, showcasing its robust research output.
National and Global Rankings
• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024: AcSIR secured the 11th position in the ‘Research Institutions’ category in India.
• Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2024: Ranked 9th in India and improved its global position from 866 in 2023 to 798 in 2024, placing it among the top 3% of institutions worldwide.
• Nature Index and SCImago Rankings: AcSIR holds the 11th position among Indian universities in both Nature Index and SCImago Institutional Rankings for 2024.
Strategic Collaborations & Innovation Initiatives
• Industry and Academic Partnerships: AcSIR has forged collaborations with industry, academia, and government agencies, enhancing research capabilities and facilitating the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions.
• iPhD Program: The Innovation PhD (iPhD) program is designed to transform students into ‘Sciencepreneurs’ by integrating research with entrepreneurship training. The program includes industry partnerships and mentorship by eminent scientists.
• International Joint PhD Programs: AcSIR offers joint PhD programs with international universities, such as the University of Western Australia, providing students with global research exposure and opportunities.
Institutional Reach & Infrastructure
• Pan-India presence: AcSIR operates through over 80 campuses across India, leveraging the infrastructure and expertise of CSIR laboratories and other research institutions.
• Interdisciplinary Research: The institution emphasizes cross-disciplinary research, aiming to integrate intellectual strengths in multidisciplinary areas with societal needs.
AcSIR’s model of integrating research with innovation and its extensive network across India positions it as a pivotal institution in shaping the future of scientific research and education in the country.