The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, Ministry of Science and Technology, has appointed Dr. Palanisamy Thanikaivelan as the new Director of CSIR- Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, India. Dr. Thanikaivelan has taken over charge from Dr. K.J. Sreeram, his predecessor and fellow alumnus of CSIR-CLRI, today (28.11.2025). He did his B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Leather Technology from Anna University in the years 1997 and 1999 respectively. He did his Ph.D. from Anna University and started his research career as a Junior Scientist in CSIR-CLRI in the year 2002, and thereafter has held various positions in the Institute.

His area of specialization is ‘Leather Science & Technology and Material Science for Technology Transfer & Industrial Research’. Dr. Thanikaivelan has focused his contributions research and development on causing paradigm shifts in leather processing. He has sought to develop integrated solutions to environmental problems in leather processing based on deeper insights into the first principles of leather science. His integrated approach aims to develop ‘Do-Ecology’ solutions to leather processing as well as gaining economic values from the currently wasted resources posing problems in solid waste disposal. He was instrumental in the development and deployment of game-changing Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology for tanneries in India. His work of using collagenous wastes from leather processing as a precursor for developing carbon nano-onion like structures, Nano bio composites and other advanced materials represents first-principle pioneering innovations. He has developed two synthetic agents for pickle-basification free chrome tanning. The application of the technology for the high exhaust chrome tanning developed by him ensures a reduction in the wastage of chromium by 30%. He explored the development of leather-like materials utilizing the plant wastes of agricultural industry for application in life style products. He has developed and transferred 12 technologies.

Dr. Thanikaivelan has been selected as the Young Associate of Indian Academy of Engineering (INAE) from 2013-2021, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru from 2007-2021; Life member of Materials Research Society of India, Chemical Research Society of India, and Indian Leather Technologists Association; Member of International Association of Advanced Materials, Materials Research Society of Singapore (2009-2011), the American Leather Chemists Association (2004-2008). He is the recipient of CSIR Diamond Jubilee Tech. Award, 2016; CSIR Technology Award for Innovation, 2017; Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, 2010 (USIEF); WIPO Certificate of Merit, 2008 & NRDC Award, 2007; Young Engineer/Scientist Award 2006, INAE & CSIR; Product/Process Comm. Award, 2005 DBT among other awards and recognitions. He has to his credit, 145 research publications, filed 30 National patents out of which 20 have been granted and 9 have been licensed. He has also filed 17 International patents, out of which 10 have been granted.

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