Dear Colleagues,

Keeping innovation in sight and delivery in focus, the “Team CSIR” is striving hard to excel. As you are aware the AcSIR is being operationalized; the resolution for the purpose is in place and AcSIR bill has been introduced in the Parliament by the Hon’ble Minister, S&T & ES and VP,CSIR - adding a step further in this direction.

To involve younger scientists, an initiative named EMPOWER (Encouraging and Motivating Pursuit of World Class Exploratory Research) has been conceptualized and made operational. The screening of the projects received under EMPOWER for first tranche is nearing completion – we have already announced results for Biological Sciences, Chemicals Sciences and Engineering Sciences clusters. While we are taking immediate steps to release the funds for the selected projects under EMPOWER, you may please inform the PIs to start the work. The budgetary support for selected projects of your laboratory may be provided through internal resources, which would be adjusted in due course of time by CSIR HQs.

I want all the EMPOWER projects selected to be flagged off on the occasion of 63 Independence Day (15th August, 2010) - you may kindly announce this to the scientists during the flag hoisting.

Let us liberate CSIR further – provide freedom to our youngsters so that they take newer challenges to innovate & excel, and further commit to thrive in the present times technological competition.

With warm regards,

Prof Samir K Brahmachari
Secretary, DSIR and
Director General
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
'Anusandhan Bhawan', 2 Rafi Marg
New Delhi 110001 - India
Tel: 91-11-23710472, 23717053
Fax: 91-11-23710618
Email: dgcsir@csir.res.in; dg@csir.res.in