Welcome to the Chemical Sciences and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Trivandrum. This Division has the rich tradition of research in the interdisciplinary frontier areas of chemistry-biology and chemistry-materials and to explore the use of such materials for industrial applications using innovative environmentally acceptable technologies.

The members of this Division are actively involved in working on fundamental and applied aspects related to (i) photochemistry and related areas with the purpose of developing photonic materials for applications in solar energy harvesting, electro optical devices and photomedicine, (ii) inorganic materials and polymers for applications in areas such as energy storage, lightning and molecular sensing for imaging and diagnostics and (iii) isolation and synthesis of new bioactive molecules and development of synthetic organic methodologies for the fine chemical industry, (iv) develop technically and commercially suitable galenical formulations and establish new analytical methods for herbal products using modern methods to support traditional medicine industries.

The Division has a large number of projects sponsored by the Government funding agencies as well as the private industries and has collaborative projects with national and international organizations and institutes. The impact of the Division’s research efforts can be gauged by a large number of highly cited publications and patents as well as the prestigious laurels received by its members. A few of these recognitions include, Bhatnager awardees (2), Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi (1) and Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore (5) and Medals of the Chemical Research Society of India (5) and Materials Research Society of India (4). The members of the Division are Editorial Board members and Associate Editors of a number of national and international journals.

One of our major sources of pride is the alumni of this Division, who are doing extremely well and hold noteworthy positions in India and abroad.