The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology organized a Golden Jubilee National Conclave on “AI & ML for Transformative Innovation: Bridging R&D Frontiers and Industry”, bringing together eminent scientists, technologists, academicians, and industry leaders to deliberate on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

The conclave was inaugurated by Dr. A. Rajarajan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), who underscored the revolutionary role of AI and ML in shaping the future of science and technology. “Channelizing the most modern computing capabilities is extremely important. We have reached a stage where human thought processes and conventional logic are no longer sufficient. By being more focused, humans can become super-intelligent in whichever field we choose,” he remarked. He further emphasized the significance of applying AI/ML in materials and alloys research, particularly for advancing space technologies.

In his presidential address, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, highlighted the institute’s initiatives, noting: “At CSIR-NIIST, we are already harnessing AI/ML for early detection of cancer. If we are not learning or applying AI/ML, we risk falling behind our competitors—whether as researchers, students, or entrepreneurs. Adoption of these technologies is no longer optional; it is essential for leadership in science, innovation, and industry.”

Distinguished guests of honour included Dr. Gopal Krishna Patra, Director, CSIR–Fourth Paradigm Institute (CSIR-4PI), Bengaluru, and Dr. Subodh P. S., Senior Director, C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram.

The event featured keynote lectures on AI-powered cybersecurity and industry-scale innovation, along with invited talks covering generative AI, materials design, environmental sustainability, and biomedical research. Among the speakers were Dr. Dittin Andrews, Scientist F, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI); Prof. Dr. Sumitra S., Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST); Dr. Ananth Govind Rajan, Indian Institute of Science (IISc); and Dr. S. Balaji, CSIR-CECRI.

A high-level panel discussion on “AI Across Domains: From Research Frontiers to Industry Impact” brought together Prof. Ram Rajasekharan (Central University of Tamil Nadu), Mrs. Nisha G. R. (VSSC), Prof. Govindan Kutty (IIST), Mr. J. P. Anand Kumar (Head of Technology, JSW), and Dr. V. Rakesh (CSIR-4PI) as distinguished panelists.

The conclave provided a collaborative platform to bridge research excellence with industrial adoption, reinforcing India’s journey towards technological self-reliance and societal transformation through AI and ML.

CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year with a series of thematic national conclaves highlighting the institute’s contributions to science, technology, and society. This conclave marked the grand finale of the year-long celebrations, bringing together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to deliberate on transformative innovations and future directions.

 

-NK-

(Release ID: 2169554) Visitor Counter : 41