18. RDCIS-SAIL: A Perspective of Five Decades of Relentless Excellence in Ferrous Research and Innovation

This article traces the history of the Research & Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS) in India, from its inception in 1972 to its present status as a world-class research centre. The centre was conceived as the first corporate R&D in the public sector steel industry with the objectives of achieving strategic improvement in critical performance parameters of the steel industry, developing niche steel products for market expansion and import substitution. The initial task was to formulate a detailed ‘Industrial R&D Plan for Iron and Steel’ that included preparing a document highlighting the technological gaps in the Indian Steel Industry and using that as a baseline, to formulate programmes and underlying projects for implementation. The article also details the creation of an appropriate human resource and a world-class laboratory to support research on many aspects of technologies required for steel-making. Collaborative research programs with leading institutions in India and abroad were leveraged to augment the expertise, knowledge, and capabilities of RDCIS's scientific manpower. The text showcases RDCIS's journey in fulfilling its objectives and enhancing the steel industry's capabilities in the nation.