# National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology

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 excellent collaborative programmes with major National & International agencies too. the present director of the institute is Dr.C. Anandharamakrishnan.
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.

## Research divisions

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)
* Inorganic Materials
* Organic Chemistry
* Photosciences and Photonics
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

This is the division in charge of undertaking research in developing innovative 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.

## Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies

CSIR-NIIST has established itself as a key player in various sub-domains of Energy and Energy Devices (EED) under CSIR. Recognizing the growing need for sustainable energy solutions, CSIR-NIIST was designated as the Nodal Lab for Energy Conversion and Related Devices within this domain. To further strengthen its contributions towards energy generation, storage, and management, the Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (C-SET) was envisioned and formally inaugurated by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Hon. Member of NITI Aayog, on 28th July 2023.
C-SET is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in sustainable energy technologies, with expertise spanning:
* Advanced Photovoltaics - Innovations in 3rd generation solar cells, agrivoltaics, and building-integrated photovoltaics.
* Renewable Energy Systems - Decentralized energy solutions promoting distributed generation.
* Green Hydrogen & Fuel Cells - Enabling clean hydrogen production and efficient fuel cell technologies.
* Energy Storage Solutions - Development of next-gen batteries and supercapacitors for efficient energy storage.
* Thermoelectric & Solid-State Technologies - Thermoelectric generators, smart windows, energy-efficient photodetectors, and solid-state lighting solutions.
With a strong commitment to sustainable innovation, C-SET aligns its research and development efforts with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 7-ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. Through collaborative research, technological advancements, and industry partnerships, C-SET is driving the transition towards a greener, energy-secure future.