Santhigiri Ashram with strong philosophical inputs has led to the formation of Santhigiri Research Foundation(SRF) as an administrative department. Recognizing the valuable work being done by the SRF, the Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, has accorded Santhigiri Ashram the status of ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’ (SIRO) since 2006.
Three main institutions are presently working under the SRF. These are the ‘Santhigiri Scientific and Industrial Research Institute’ (SSIRI), Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru Research Centre for Ayurveda and Siddha (NKGRCAS) and Santhigiri Social Research Institute (SSRI).
The major projects under Scientific and Industrial Research are Improving and standardizing the quality of Ayurveda and Siddha medicines and clinical research for the development of new drugs.
In Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, the research responsibilities are shared by the faculties under the guidance of research methodology department. The students are encouraged to take up research projects in their own capacity and according to the guidance of faculties. In 2022, one such project under the guidance of Dr.Baskaran by Ms.Shivani has received a grant for research contest by Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS). Similar opportunities are being created for the benefit of students and research faculties. There is an effort in promoting Siddha system as a whole by going in-depth into Monographs, literary research and applied research. In this connection MoU’s being entered with CCRS and National Institute of Siddha (NIS). There is a Research and Development (R&D) wing in Santhigiri Ayurveda & Siddha Vaidyasala and new products along with its safety profile and efficacy is being evolved under the qualified professionals.