M S Swaminathan Research Foundation - MSSRF

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation - MSSRF M S Swaminathan Research Foundation M S Swaminathan Research Foundation is a non-profit research organization established in 1988. Founded by Professor M. S.

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has been developing and following a pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro-sustainable on-farm and non-farm livelihoods through appropriate ecotechnology and knowledge empowerment. Swaminathan with proceeds from the First World Food Prize that he received in 1987, the Foundation aims to to accelerate use of modern science for agricultural and rural development. The Foundation applies appropriate science and technology options to address practical problems faced by rural populations in spheres of agriculture, food and nutrition. These efforts have been undertaken in a participatory manner in partnership with other knowledge-based institutions, public and private sector organisations and local communities. Professor Swaminathan is a Fellow of many of the leading scientific academies of India and the world, including the Royal Society of London and the U S National Academy of Sciences. He has received 58 honorary doctorate degrees from universities around the world. He currently holds the UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology at the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai (Madras), India

How does scientific evidence shape strategic hashtag programs and policies at local, national, and global levels of has...
20/11/2025

How does scientific evidence shape strategic hashtag programs and policies at local, national, and global levels of hashtag ?

Join us for the fifth conversation of Azim Premji’s “Let’s Talk Public Health” series, “Science and Evidence in Public Health Policies: Insights and Lessons from hashtag Practice,” featuring Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, global hashtag expert and Chairperson, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

Learn from Dr. Soumya’s extensive experience across multiple levels of hashtag as she shares critical insights on building stronger evidence-informed public health practices.

🔸 Date: 28 November 2025
🔸 Time: 4:00–5:30 PM (IST)
🔸 Register: https://lnkd.in/e4aniRbX

MSSRF is pleased to announce the latest edition of our MSS Centenary Lecture Series exploring the frontiers of climate-r...
19/11/2025

MSSRF is pleased to announce the latest edition of our MSS Centenary Lecture Series exploring the frontiers of climate-resilient agriculture through genomics. Dr. Ajay Kohli, former Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation at IRRI and Interim Director General, will share work on tolerance in - a critical challenge as we face increasing climate variability.

️The lecture will showcase how rice yield during drought has helped understand complex genetic traits that influence drought tolerance in rice. The talk will also suggest future rice breeding strategies.

With over three decades of experience across leading institutions including IIsc Bengaluru, JNU, and international research centers, Dr. Kohli brings invaluable insights on translating genomic discoveries into solutions. MSSRF continues to study this area to address critical issues that help secure India’s and ’ futures.

➡️ Date: November 28, 2025 | 11:30 AM IST

➡️ Venue: MSSRF, Chennai (or) via Zoom

➡️ Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/TsWGS6UEV7

Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants.

| Tomorrow, November 19 at 11:30 AM Join us for an important discussion on community-led in India's Palk Bay region....
18/11/2025

| Tomorrow, November 19 at 11:30 AM

Join us for an important discussion on community-led in India's Palk Bay region. Dr. Balaji Vedharajan, founder of OMCAR Foundation, will share decades of pioneering work linking scientific innovation with local knowledge—from India's first seagrass restoration projects to establishing the nation's first Dugong Conservation Reserve.

This webinar explores how participatory approaches are protecting endangered species, restoring critical habitats, and creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Learn about innovative restoration techniques, the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge, and how conservation can support both marine ecosystems and local economies.

Speaker: Dr. Balaji Vedharajan, Marine Biologist & Director, OMCAR Foundation

Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Skuzzh-8rEu_8sjTL1t5f3vWXfraVYxNkgLSelHFsIdUQk0xQ1dWSjlYTVpEVjUwWlRCWFExSlUzQy4u

Zoom link will be shared via email.

Gender, climate resilience, and sustainable development are the key themes that emerged from stories produced by the 202...
17/11/2025

Gender, climate resilience, and sustainable development are the key themes that emerged from stories produced by the 2024-2025 batch of Mina Swaminathan Media Fellows. Our 3 fellows are storytellers, journalists and media practitioners from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Odisha.

Today at the concluding event of Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship 2024-2025, hosted at MSSRF in Chennai, the fellows showcased impactful written and visual stories from the ground, shaped by the theme of this year’s fellowship ‘The power of collective: women coming together for change.’

These stories offered an in-depth, nuanced understanding of grassroots resilience from a gendered lens. These presentations also provided our reviewers, MSSRF staff, and our audience with insight into the process that guided their storytelling.

🟢 Arathi M.R. (Kerala) – Fisherwomen adopting green technology and community-led river monitoring.

🟢 Akshara Sanal (Tamil Nadu) – Women in coastal regions building small enterprises and embracing solar dryers.

🟢 Aiswarya Parija (Odisha) – Tribal women leading climate-resilient farming and reviving indigenous crops.

With addresses by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF; Richard Mahapatra, Managing Editor, Down To Earth; Aparna Karthikeyan, Writer & Independent Journalist; and Ch. Santakar, Independent Journalist for their thoughtful addresses that enriched the discussion and highlighted the importance of amplifying grassroots voices.

Learn more: https://www.mssrf.org/media-fellowship

Anamika, Nitya Rao, Rengalakshmi, Binesh, Velvzhi, PrashantParida, Gopinath, Meera, Oliver, Afrah, Shriya (Cabc)

From art competitions to lively quizzes, our celebration in Chennai was all about hands-on learning and fun! 🎉 ECAS ...
14/11/2025

From art competitions to lively quizzes, our celebration in Chennai was all about hands-on learning and fun! 🎉

ECAS dove into The Memory Challenge, explored AI through Quick Draw games, and watched science come alive with interactive demonstrations. The day also featured a generous library book donation from the Class of 2000, S.B.O.A. School, Coimbatore—adding to the resources that fuel their curiosity.

Thank you to L&T Construction
Construction for partnering with us to create joyful experiences for our young . Here's to nurturing the dreamers, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow! 🌱

More about the event: https://www.mssrf.org/small-news/childrens-day-2025-celebration-chennai

14/11/2025

"I want to be the world's best scientist."

This , we asked students at Every Child a Scientist (ECAS) in Chennai about their ambitions—and their answers reminded us why this work matters.

Through MSSRF's Every Child a Scientist program with Larsen & Turbo Construction, we're supporting corporation school students across centers in Chennai, Poompuhar, Wayanad, Kolli Hills, and Pudukottai.

Each of these brings a unique lens to their classroom, helping our drive conversations that are both curious and critical. By guiding the journeys of our youth, we're investing in the future they envision—one where their questions lead to discoveries, their ideas spark solutions, and their ambitions know no bounds.

Happy Children's Day to all the young scientists dreaming big and asking bigger questions. 🌱

13/11/2025

From Green Revolution to Evergreen Revolution: Prof. M S Swaminathan's visionary journey transformed India's food security, a legacy MSSRF continues to champion 🌱

Video by BBC News India

Opportunity for Innovations: Secure upto ₹2 crores in deployment support! In honour of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan’s legacy...
10/11/2025

Opportunity for Innovations: Secure upto ₹2 crores in deployment support!

In honour of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan’s legacy during this birth centenary, MSSRF and Social Alpha launched TechTonic: Innovations for Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods to support that create sustainable impact across 3 key areas:

➡️ rejuvenation solutions

➡️ Small farm mechanization

➡️ systems

If your solution addresses critical challenges in these key areas while empowering small and marginal —particularly women—we invite you to apply.

The selected startups will receive:

➡️ Up to ₹2 crores in deployment support

➡️ Up to ₹50 lakhs in

➡️ Access to 2,00,000+ farmers and 150+

➡️ Infrastructural and community support through MSSRF’s Village Knowledge Centers and Social Alpha Labs

➡️ Mentorship and

Learn more and apply before 15th November: https://www.socialalpha.org/techtonic-innovations-for-agriculture-and-rural-livelihoods2025/

With TechTonic, MSSRF and Social Alpha hope to nurture that consider the day-to-day realities of farming , develop for contextual solutions, and drive positive change to sustain our food systems and the smallholder farmers who make them possible.

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Madras School of Economics (MSE) have formalised a long-standin...
07/11/2025

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Madras School of Economics (MSE) have formalised a long-standing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing opportunities for students and researchers working at the intersection of climate science, nutrition, and economics.

MSSRF brings deep expertise in , , and -level research, while MSE contributes strong analytical capabilities in modelling and policy frameworks. Together, this partnership aims to strengthen evidence-based policy suggestions and improve ground-level .

The MoU was signed by Dr Soumya Swaminathan (Chairperson, MSSRF), Dr C. Rangarajan (Chaiman, MSE), Dr Rengalakshmi (Executive Director, MSSRF), and Dr N. R. Bhanumurthy (Director, MSE) in the presence of MSSRF team members and faculty and students from MSE.

MSSRF’s work on nutrition data, particularly through initiatives like , highlights the importance of integrating economic perspectives into policy to enhance its practicality. The work on nutrition and biodiversity offers a compelling policy case with benefits for health, ecosystem services, and economic systems. India’s progress from food security to nutrition security reflects a shift in priorities, and economics provides a structured lens to address complex challenges.

The between The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and the Madras School of Economics marks a significant step toward collaborative research, robust policy development, and meaningful student engagement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brinda-viswanathan-622843b/

Dr. N. R. Bhanumurthy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhanumurthy-n-r-1098b7211/

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Madras School of Economics (MSE) have formalised a long-standin...
06/11/2025

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Madras School of Economics (MSE) have formalised a long-standing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing opportunities for students and researchers working at the intersection of climate science, nutrition, and economics.

MSSRF brings deep expertise in , , and -level research, while MSE contributes strong analytical capabilities in modelling and policy frameworks. Together, this partnership aims to strengthen evidence-based policy suggestions and improve ground-level .

The MoU was signed by Soumya Swaminathan (Chairperson, MSSRF), Dr C Rangarajan (Chaiman, MSE), Rengalakshmi Raj (Executive Director, MSSRF), and Bhanumurthy N R (Director, MSE) in the presence of MSSRF team members and faculty and students from MSE.

MSSRF’s work on nutrition data, particularly through initiatives like hashtag , highlights the importance of integrating economic perspectives into policy to enhance its practicality. The work on nutrition and biodiversity offers a compelling policy case with benefits for health, ecosystem services, and economic systems. India’s progress from food security to nutrition security reflects a shift in priorities, and economics provides a structured lens to address complex challenges.

The between The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and the Madras School of Economics marks a significant step toward collaborative research, robust policy development, and meaningful student engagement.

On 28th October, the exposure visit took the 20 delegates from the Government of Odisha to Annamalai University and MSSR...
03/11/2025

On 28th October, the exposure visit took the 20 delegates from the Government of Odisha to Annamalai University and MSSRF field sites, where participants engaged with leading experts and witnessed sustainable aquaculture practices firsthand.

• Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University – Dr. Ramanathan, Dean, highlighted the institute's five-decade legacy in marine science research. Dr. Ajith Kumar, Director of National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), presented work on marine ornamental aquaculture and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Gopalakrishnan, Professor at Annamalai University and former MSSRF faculty, shared innovations in sustainable aquaculture including tunnel solar dryers and mud crab fattening systems.

• Polychaete Culture Unit – Participants observed the culture of marine polychaetes, a vital live feed in shrimp broodstock maturation and finfish hatcheries.

• Marine Ornamental Fish Hub (ICAR-NBFGR, DST-Seed Project) – A collaborative initiative between ICAR-NBFGR, Annamalai University, and MSSRF promoting livelihood opportunities for SC communities through sustainable ornamental fish culture.

• Mud Crab Fattening Farm – Hands-on exposure to box culture methods, feeding schedules, and disease management practices for sustainable crab farming.

• Village Knowledge Centre, Kalaignar Nagar – Dr. Velvizhi briefed participants on MSSRF's transformative work with the Irular community, integrating livelihood enhancement with mangrove conservation under Prof. M.S. Swaminathan's guidance.

Learn more about the exposure visit, in collaboration with WorldFish: https://mssrf.org/small-news/exposure-visit-sustainable-aquaculture-mssrf-and-worldfish-host-odisha-government

Join us for the 12th in our series celebrating Professor M.S. Swaminathan's centenary and his legacy in and coastal ...
02/11/2025

Join us for the 12th in our series celebrating Professor M.S. Swaminathan's centenary and his legacy in and coastal resource management.

Topic: The Changing Context of Small-Scale Fishers' Access to Coastal and Marine Commons

Date & Time: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM IST

Speaker: Dr. Venkatesh Salagrama, Independent Consultant, Andhra Pradesh

Dr. Salagrama brings over 35 years of experience working with marine small-scale worldwide, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. He has undertaken research and development assignments for FAO, the World Bank, DFID, and other regional programs, with expertise in fisheries policy, , value chains, gender, migration, and .

Register to join us: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Skuzzh-8rEu_8sjTL1t5f3vWXfraVYxNkgLSelHFsIdUQk0xQ1dWSjlYTVpEVjUwWlRCWFExSlUzQy4u

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3rd Cross Street Institutional Area, Taramani
Chennai
600113

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

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+914422541698

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