A Legacy of Scientific Excellence Since 1965 The CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIRSERC) a leading research facility for structural engineering in India located in the CSIR Campus at Taramani, of Chennai. Established on 10 June 1965 as one of the 37 national laboratories that operate under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) of the Indian Government.
With a legacy spanning nearly six decades, CSIR-SERC has built world-class capabilities in the analysis, design, and testing of structures and structural components. The Centre receives scientific value from India and worldwide because Central and State Governments, public and private organizations and international clients depend on its research output.
The Centre advances structural engineering through research and innovation under the direction of Dr. (Smt.) N. Anandavalli who serves as Director of CSIR-SERC.
Vision, Mission & Mandate: A Roadmap for National Impact Vision
“To be a global leader in structural engineering by excelling in research in frontier and cutting-edge areas and by developing competitive technologies by embracing innovative inter- and transdisciplinary approaches for the benefit of society and industry.”
Mission
- To pursue and excel in frontier areas of structural engineering and create niche expertise.
- To emerge as the most preferred resource centre for solving challenges in structures of varied geometries, sizes, and purposes.
- To develop and transfer sustainable technologies addressing societal needs.
- To be a preferred knowledge centre for pre- and postdisaster structural engineering solutions.
Mandate
The Centre’s mandate is to act as a clearing house for the latest structural engineering knowledge, undertake applicationoriented research, provide design consultancy for novel or complex structures, conduct sponsored R&D, and organize advanced courses for practicing engineers.
Six Decades of Transformation and Service
Over its long journey, CSIR-SERC has delivered high-quality R&D and S&T services to the nation. The Centre has responded to evolving national needs through:
- Landmark research breakthroughs
- Advanced testing facilities
- Technologies transferred to the public and private sectors
- Key contributions to infrastructure development
As India undergoes rapid infrastructure expansion, the demand for CSIR-SERC’s expertise has grown significantly. The Centre has identified thrust areas such as:
- Structural health monitoring and life extension
- Disaster mitigation
- Advanced materials
- Offshore structures
- Energy infrastructure
- Special multifunctional structures
Infrastructure created over the years—through Government grants, UNDP support, and External Cash Flow (ECF)—has strengthened its role as a national scientific pillar.
R&D as the Core of Growth
Being an R&D institution by nature, CSIR-SERC does not treat research as a separate function; it is the Centre’s very foundation. Its research pathway is built on three pillars:
1. Science-Driven Fundamental Research This enables the centre to be globally competitive by nurturing niche areas. Fostering innovation and disruptive ideas aids towards making a stint in a global scenario. Towards this, “CoLab” will be created, which will be concentrating on cocreation of technologies and allowing like-minded people to work together and avoid repetition of work among the peer groups of different institutions.
2. Need-Based Research This is towards addressing needs of the nation for Better, Safer and Sustainable Infrastructure development by aligning activities with GoI initiatives.
3. Industry-Driven Research Matured R&D outputs are converted into impactful, real-world technologies.
A proposed Centre for industrial consultancy, will aid the participation of industry at the development stage itself. Both translatory research and innovation driven technology development will be part of this.
Communication, Outreach, and Marketing
The technologies and R&D findings of CSIR-SERC are showcased through:
- National and international conferences
- Workshops, trade fairs, and science exhibitions
- Technical lectures, posters, and live exhibits
Publicity of the CSIR-SERC products/technologies in Newsletter, Annual Report, Technical Brochures, Website, social media and advertisement in the souvenirs. CSIR-SERC website is periodically updated, which is very informative and showcases the technologies developed and the facilities available in the laboratory. This will be very useful for furthering the industry interaction.
Leadership Built on Vision and Responsibility
The leadership at CSIR-SERC functions as an innovation driver which creates social value. According to Dr. Anandavalli leadership requires
“fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and motivating others to align their efforts toward the vision of becoming a global leader in structural engineering.”
The Centre enables leadership through its programs that focuses on nurturing talent, supporting interdisciplinary thinking, and providing an environment where creativity and scientific rigor coexist.
A Work Culture Rooted in Excellence and Collaboration
The scientists at CSIR-SERC are involved in every stage of decision-making, encouraged to choose thrust areas of interest, and empowered with ownership over their work. The culture promotes:
- International collaborations
- Participation in professional societies
- Exposure to conferences and fellowships
- Cross-functional interactions between research groups
- A Scientific Affairs Committee to enhance research ambiance
This ecosystem inspires scientific curiosity, responsibility, and innovation across the Centre.
Pathways for Future Growth
To expand its footprint, CSIR-SERC has streamlined procedures for externally funded projects, strengthened industry interactions, and increased vendor registrations with reputed firms.The CSIR guidelines have improved marketing operations which have increased the Centre’s visibility and maintained its technology transfer growth. The organization CSIR-SERC plans to focus its work on national initiatives through Innovate in India and Smart Cities and Atmanirbhar Bharat while orienting research toward interdisciplinary and industry-relevant solutions.
Wisdom for Young Entrepreneurs
Dr. Anandavalli shares her message for budding entrepreneurs with heartfelt inspiration:
“Entrepreneurship starts with a dream and the courage to fulfil the dream or goals… It requires Passion, Patience and Persistence. Keep moving forward with your vision and roadmap to achieve.”
She quotes Thirukkural to emphasize perseverance and explains:
“Do not give up saying ‘It is impossible’. Effort will overcome.”
A Message to Business Connect Readers
Dr. Anandavalli extends her concluding message: “Dear Readers of Business Connect, you are part of a vibrant community of innovators, thinkers and changemakers… Connection, cooperation and collaboration are essential in this world.”
She adds another Thirukkural:
“Nothing is impossible for those who think deeply, analyse thoroughly, and consult wise associates before action.”
