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National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology

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CSIR - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIST)
നാഷണൽ ഇൻസ്റ്റിറ്റ്യൂട്ട് ഫോർ ഇന്റർ ഡിസിപ്ലിനറി സയൻസ് ആൻഡ് ടെക്നോളജി
Formation1975
HeadquartersIndustrial Estate PO, Thiruvananthapuram, India
Director
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan
Parent organization
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Websitehttps://www.niist.res.in/
Formerly called
CSIR - Trivandrum complex (Regional Research Laboratory)

The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST, formerly Regional Research Laboratory, Trivandrum) is a constituent laboratory of CSIR, India, engaged in research and development activities in the field of agroprocessing and technology, microbial processes and technology, chemical sciences and technology, material sciences and technology and process engineering and environmental technology. Around approximately 80 scientists and 300 research fellows are working in various scientific disciplines in this institute. The programmes have a blend of basic research, technology development and commercialization; have specific thrusts on frontier areas of research, National Mission Projects, regional resource-based activities and R & D - Industry - Academia linkages. The laboratory has collaborative programmes with major National & International agencies too. the present director of the institute is Dr.C. Anandharamakrishnan.[1][2]

It was established in 1975 as a CSIR Complex, then named as the Regional Research Laboratory in 1978 and later renamed as NIIST in 2007.[3]

Research divisions

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The major research divisions in NIIST are:

1. Agroprocessing and technology division (APTD)
2. Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (C-SET)
3. Chemical sciences and technology division (CSTD)

4. Environmental technology division (ETD)
5. Materials science and technology division (MSTD)
6. Microbial processes and technology division (MPTD)
7. Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning (AI&ML) Unit

Materials Science and Technology division has divided into Functional Materials and Minerals and Metallic Materials sections.

Functional Materials has activities related to nano-ceramics, energy materials, polymeric materials, electronic materials and magnetic materials.

  • Nano-ceramics
  • Energy Materials
  • Polymeric Materials
  • Electronic Materials
  • Magnetic Materials

Minerals and Metallic Materials has activities related to metals and minerals.

  • Light Metals, Alloys and Composites
  • Minerals

Agroprocessing division

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This is the division in charge of undertaking research in developing technologies for processing of oil seeds, spices and natural products. The core competence of the division is in process and product development and on the transformation of such processes into fully engineered technology packages for commercial exploitation. The division has set up a number of commercial plants in many states and extended technical expertise in making policy decisions in relevant areas by governmental and non governmental agencies. Technology Business Incubation Centre (TBIC) in the area of spices and natural products contribute towards development of innovative technologies. Major research includes quality improvement of palm oil, spice oil/ oleoresins, swing technology for processing of fresh and dry spices, Refrigeration Adsorption Dehumidified Drying (RADD) of heat sensitive materials, Ginger oil extraction, and nutraceutical studies.[4]

Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies

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CSIR-NIIST plays a pivotal role within the Energy and Energy Devices (EED) theme of CSIR, actively contributing to multiple sub-verticals and serving as the Nodal Laboratory for the Energy Conversion and Related Devices category. Recognizing the need to synergize ongoing research efforts and amplify focus on sustainable energy generation, storage, and management, a specialized centre was envisioned. This led to the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (C-SET), which was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, Dr. V. K. Saraswat, on 28 July 2023.

C-SET represents a strategic initiative by CSIR-NIIST to consolidate its research excellence in advanced energy technologies. The Centre showcases proficiency in next-generation photovoltaics, including perovskite-based solar cells, distributed renewable systems like agrivoltaics and building-integrated photovoltaics, as well as in emerging energy vectors such as green hydrogen and fuel cells. It is also actively engaged in the development of high-performance energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and advanced batteries, along with innovations in thermoelectric generators, smart windows, solid-state lighting, and energy-efficient photodetectors.

With its research agenda aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 7 – ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all – C-SET aims to drive impactful innovations and technologies that contribute to a clean and energy-secure future.

Environmental technology division

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The Environmental Technology Division (ETD) at CSIR-NIIST is at the forefront of addressing critical environmental issues by developing innovative technologies and offering specialized services to various industrial sectors across India.

Home to a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of chemical and environmental engineers, chemists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, and environmental scientists, the division thrives on collaborative research and technology development.

Equipped with NABL/NABET-accredited laboratories and cutting-edge facilities, including pilot-scale plants, ETD ensures high standards in both research and practical applications. Notably, CSIR-NIIST holds integrated EIC/FSSAI-NABL accreditation (valid through 2026) for testing contaminants such as dioxin-like POPs and heavy metals in food, feed, water, and environmental samples.

ETD also proudly houses the only NABL-accredited laboratory in India for odour measurement in ambient air.

The division welcomes aspiring researchers for Ph.D. programs, MSc/M.Tech projects, and internships, and regularly conducts skill development and training programs aimed at building capacity in environmental technologies.

References

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  1. ^ "CSIR-National Institute For Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram | India Science, Technology & Innovation - ISTI Portal". www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  2. ^ "CSIR-NIIST". IndiaBioscience. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  3. ^ "CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) » About Us".
  4. ^ "National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram (CSIR-NIIST) | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research | CSIR | GoI". www.csir.res.in. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
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