Pune: CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, commemorated its 76th Foundation Day with a special programme held on January 3, 2026, at its campus.
The CSIR-NCL Foundation Day 2026 featured the prestigious Foundation Day Oration delivered by Prof M S Ananth, Former Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
The programme began with welcome remarks by Dr Parveen Goyal, Senior Scientist at CSIR-NCL, followed by the presentation of the Director’s Report.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL, reflected on the laboratory’s 75-year legacy and its forward-looking vision towards NCL@100, aligned with India’s Amrit Kaal aspirations.
He reiterated CSIR-NCL’s enduring role in advancing fundamental science, enabling technology translation, and strengthening India’s self-reliance and global leadership in chemistry.
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CSIR-NCL Foundation Day 2026: Scientific Progress and National Impact
Presenting the Director’s Report for 2025, Dr Lele outlined key scientific and technological achievements across seven strategic themes, including clean energy, C1 chemistry, sustainable chemical processes, biomanufacturing, circular economy, agritech, and strategic sectors.
Among the major milestones highlighted were India’s first hydrogen fuel-cell catamaran entering commercial service, progress in green hydrogen technologies, validation of sodium-ion batteries, solvent-free continuous manufacturing of metformin, advances in biotherapeutics and agri-biologicals, and development of strategic materials for defence and space applications.
Dr Venugopal Premnath, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NCL, introduced the Chief Guest, Prof M S Ananth, highlighting his distinguished contributions to science and his transformative leadership in Indian higher education.
CSIR-NCL Foundation Day 2026 Lecture Focuses on Universities, Innovation and Ethics
In his CSIR-NCL Foundation Day 2026 lecture titled “Innovation and the University,” Prof. Ananth spoke about the traditional role of universities as centres of learning and the pursuit of knowledge beyond immediate practical outcomes.
He underscored the interconnectedness of disciplines such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities, and emphasised the importance of curiosity, critical thinking and independent thought.
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Prof. Ananth highlighted the strong link between teaching and research, stating that each reinforces the other.
He noted that meaningful education extends beyond syllabus completion to nurturing deep understanding, creativity and the ability to question established ideas.
Reflecting on the knowledge-driven economy, he spoke about the expanding role of universities in discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship, citing the IIT Madras Research Park as a model for effective academia-industry collaboration.
He also addressed leadership and ethics in academia, stressing the importance of shared leadership, consensus-building, integrity and ethical values.
Concluding his address, Prof. Ananth emphasised that while innovation, intellectual property and economic impact are important, they must remain guided by the university’s core mission of truth, character development and societal benefit.
As part of the CSIR-NCL Foundation Day 2026 celebrations, NCL Research Foundation (RF) Awards were presented to CSIR-NCL staff in recognition of outstanding research and innovation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Parveen Goyal, who acknowledged the participation of scientists, faculty members, researchers, students, alumni and staff, both in person and online.
