New Delhi/Rajgir: Nalanda University and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to strengthen cooperation in science-led sustainable development, technology outreach, rural transformation and capacity building.
The agreement was signed at CSIR Headquarters, Anusandhan Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University; Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR); and Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs.
Senior officials, scientists and faculty members from both institutions attended the signing ceremony.
Focus On Sustainable Technology Deployment
The partnership aims to combine CSIR’s scientific and technological expertise with Nalanda University’s international academic network to promote research, innovation, sustainability and community engagement.
Professor Sachin Chaturvedi said the collaboration would focus on identifying and deploying technologies that address societal needs.
He highlighted areas such as model village development, solid waste management, water quality improvement and environmental sustainability as key areas where the partnership could support communities around the Nalanda region.
CSIR Technologies To Support Rural Outreach
Rudrendra Tandon said the collaboration aligns with the vision of developing Nalanda University as a global academic and research institution.
He said the partnership with CSIR, described as India’s premier scientific research organisation, would strengthen the university’s research ecosystem and benefit students, researchers and surrounding communities.
Dr N. Kalaiselvi said the MoU marked an important step for both institutions and highlighted the role of interdisciplinary approaches in ensuring scientific innovations reach society.
She pointed to CSIR initiatives related to solid waste management, soil reclamation, water quality improvement and societal missions as areas that could be implemented at Nalanda University and nearby villages.
Dr Kalaiselvi proposed undertaking at least three focused societal missions during the initial phase of the collaboration to demonstrate measurable outcomes.
CSIR Technology Gallery At Nalanda Campus
As part of the partnership, a CSIR Technology Gallery will be established at the Nalanda University campus.
The gallery will showcase indigenous technologies developed by CSIR laboratories and provide students, researchers, international scholars and visitors access to India’s scientific innovations.
The initiative is expected to support technology demonstrations, knowledge exchange, sustainable technology adoption and capacity-building activities, creating a model for science-based interventions in communities.
