National Chemical Laboratory | India's Premier Chemical Research Institution

About National Chemical Laboratory

The National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) is one of India's premier research laboratories in the field of chemical sciences. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, NCL has a distinguished history of over seven decades in scientific research and technological innovation.

Our mission is to conduct world-class research in chemical and allied sciences, develop technologies for industrial and societal benefit, and nurture scientific talent. NCL houses state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced instrumentation facilities, pilot plants, and specialized laboratories.

With over 200 scientific staff and 400 research scholars, NCL publishes extensively in high-impact international journals and holds numerous patents. Our research spans diverse areas including polymers, materials science, catalysis, organic chemistry, biochemical sciences, and chemical engineering.

70+ Years Excellence

Since establishment in 1950

400+ Researchers

PhD scholars and postdocs

Director's Message

"At NCL, we bridge fundamental science with industrial applications. Our researchers work at the chemistry-biology interface, developing sustainable solutions for energy, health, and environment. We collaborate extensively with industry and academia worldwide."

Dr. Ashish K. Lele

Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory

Core Research Areas

Polymer Science & Engineering

Advanced polymer synthesis, characterization, processing and applications. Development of biodegradable polymers, high-performance composites, and smart polymeric materials for healthcare and industrial applications.

Polymer nanocomposites
Membrane technology
Rheology and processing

Organic & Medicinal Chemistry

Design and synthesis of complex organic molecules, natural products, and pharmaceutical intermediates. Development of novel synthetic methodologies and green chemistry approaches.

Asymmetric synthesis
Natural product chemistry
Drug discovery

Materials Chemistry

Development of advanced functional materials for energy, electronics, and catalysis. Research includes nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks, ceramics, and hybrid materials with tailored properties.

Energy storage materials
Catalytic materials
Functional coatings

Green Chemistry & Sustainability

Development of environmentally benign chemical processes, waste valorization, and renewable energy technologies. Focus on reducing environmental impact through innovative chemical solutions.

Biocatalysis
CO2 utilization
Waste-to-wealth

Biochemical Sciences

Research at the chemistry-biology interface including enzymology, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and biomaterials. Applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.

Enzyme technology
Biosensors
Fermentation technology

Chemical Engineering

Process development, scale-up, and optimization. Research includes fluid dynamics, heat transfer, separation processes, and reactor design with applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Process intensification
Multiphase reactors
Computational fluid dynamics

Analytical & Technical Services

NCL provides comprehensive analytical and technical services to industry, academia, and government organizations through its state-of-the-art central instrumentation facilities.

Analytical Characterization

Complete chemical analysis and characterization services using advanced instrumentation including NMR, MS, XRD, TEM, SEM, and chromatography systems.

High-field NMR spectroscopy
Mass spectrometry
X-ray diffraction
Electron microscopy
Thermal analysis

Request Analysis

Pilot Plant Facilities

Scale-up services from laboratory to pilot scale with dedicated facilities for polymer processing, catalysis, fermentation, and chemical process development.

Polymer extrusion and molding
Catalytic reactor systems
Fermentation plants (up to 1000L)
High-pressure reactions
Separation and purification

Inquire About Scale-up

Training & Capacity Building

Specialized training programs, workshops, and internships for students, researchers, and industry professionals in advanced chemical techniques and instrumentation.

Instrumentation training
Good Laboratory Practices
Industrial workshops
Summer internships
Customized industry training

View Training Calendar

Technology & Innovation

NCL has a strong track record of technology development and transfer to industry. Our innovations have led to commercial products, processes, and startups across various sectors.

Licensed Technology

Biodegradable Polymers

NCL-developed biodegradable polymer technology licensed to multiple companies for packaging and agricultural applications. These polymers degrade completely under composting conditions.

Technology reduces plastic pollution and offers sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.

Startup Spinoff

Advanced Water Purification

Membrane-based water purification technology commercialized through a startup. Removes heavy metals, pathogens, and contaminants to produce potable water from various sources.

Deployed in rural communities and industrial wastewater treatment with capacity ranging from household to community scale.

Industry Adoption

Green Pharmaceutical Synthesis

Environmentally benign processes for pharmaceutical intermediates adopted by major Indian pharmaceutical companies. Reduces waste generation and eliminates hazardous reagents.

Processes result in 40-60% reduction in E-factor (environmental factor) compared to conventional routes.

Latest News & Events

June 15, 2023

NCL Scientists Develop Novel Catalyst for Hydrogen Production

Researchers at NCL have developed a cost-effective, non-precious metal catalyst for efficient hydrogen production from water. The breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen production.

International Conference on Polymer Science Scheduled for November 2023

NCL will host the 15th International Conference on Polymer Science and Technology from November 20-23, 2023. The conference will feature keynote lectures from global experts and presentation of cutting-edge research.

View conference details

April 10, 2023

NCL and Industry Partner Launch Joint Center for Sustainable Materials

A joint research center focused on sustainable materials development has been established in collaboration with a leading Indian conglomerate. The center will work on bio-based materials and circular economy solutions.

Learn about partnerships

March 5, 2023

NCL Research on Drug Delivery Systems Published in Nature Communications

NCL scientists have developed a novel nanoparticle-based drug delivery system that can target cancer cells with high specificity. The research was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

Read publication

Upcoming Events

NOV

20-23

International Polymer Conference

Hybrid event with international speakers

DEC

5-7

Workshop on Advanced NMR Techniques

Hands-on training for researchers

JAN

15

Deadline: Summer Internship Applications

For undergraduate and postgraduate students

View All Events

Contact Us

Get In Touch

For inquiries regarding research collaborations, analytical services, technology licensing, or visiting NCL, please contact us using the information below.

Address:
National Chemical Laboratory,
Dr. Homi Bhabha Road,
Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
Phone:
+91-20-25902000 (Reception)
+91-20-25902600 (Director Office)
Email:
[email protected] (General inquiries)
[email protected] (Director's Office)
Visiting Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed on National Holidays

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Advancing Chemical Sciences for a Sustainable Future

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