About Us
Our Mission and Vision
Established in 1954, the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. Our mission is to conduct groundbreaking research in salt and marine chemicals, contributing to national self-reliance and sustainable development.
We envision a world where marine resources are harnessed responsibly to meet global challenges in food, energy, and environment. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of over 200 scientists, we pioneer technologies in salt production, marine biotechnology, water desalination, and chemical processing.
Our institute is located in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, a region rich in coastal resources. Over the decades, we have developed numerous patents and technologies adopted by industries worldwide. We collaborate with international agencies, universities, and private sectors to translate research into real-world solutions.
The institute's research spans fundamental and applied sciences, focusing on value-added products from seawater, brine, and salt pans. We are committed to environmental stewardship, ensuring that our technologies minimize ecological impact while maximizing economic benefits.
CSMCRI also plays a key role in policy advocacy, providing expert advice to government bodies on marine resource management. Our educational programs train the next generation of scientists through PhD fellowships and internship opportunities.
Get in TouchYears of Excellence
Research Scientists
Patents Filed
Countries Served
Research Areas
Salt Technology
Developing efficient salt production methods, including solar evaporation, brine purification, and salt quality enhancement. Our research reduces energy consumption and improves yield for salt industries globally.
Marine Chemicals
Extracting valuable chemicals from seawater and marine organisms, such as bromine, magnesium, and bioactive compounds. We focus on sustainable extraction processes with minimal environmental footprint.
Water Desalination
Innovating membrane-based and thermal desalination technologies to provide fresh water from seawater. Our projects address water scarcity in coastal regions through cost-effective solutions.
Marine Biotechnology
Harnessing marine microbes and algae for biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. We explore extremophiles from saline environments for industrial applications.
Waste Utilization
Converting salt industry waste into valuable products like gypsum and potassium salts. Our circular economy approaches minimize waste and create additional revenue streams.
Process Engineering
Designing and scaling up industrial processes for marine chemical production. We optimize unit operations for energy efficiency and product purity.
Analytical Chemistry
Advanced characterization of marine samples using spectroscopy, chromatography, and microscopy. We provide accurate data for research and industry compliance.
Instrumentation
Developing custom instruments for monitoring salt pans and marine environments. Our sensors enable real-time data collection for better resource management.
Featured Projects
Solar Salt Enhancement
A project to improve solar salt production efficiency by 30% through novel pond lining materials and brine management techniques. Funded by the Department of Science & Technology, this initiative has been implemented in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu salt pans.
Duration: 2020-2023 | Budget: ₹5.2 crore
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Marine Algae Biofuel
Developing sustainable biofuels from marine microalgae grown in saline water. This project aims to produce biodiesel and bioethanol, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Collaborations with IITs and international partners are underway.
Duration: 2021-2025 | Budget: ₹8.7 crore
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Community Desalination
Installing small-scale desalination units in coastal villages of Gujarat to provide clean drinking water. Using renewable energy, these units serve over 10,000 people and are maintained through local partnerships.
Duration: 2019-2024 | Budget: ₹3.5 crore
Learn MoreRecent Publications
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Advanced Membrane Materials for Seawater Desalination
Journal of Desalination, Vol. 556, 2023. Authors: Dr. A. Patel et al.
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Recovery of Bromine from Seawater Using Ion-Exchange Resins
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol. 61, Issue 12, 2022. Authors: Dr. S. Kumar et al.
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Sustainable Salt Production via Solar Evaporation Ponds
Applied Water Science, Vol. 12, 2022. Authors: Dr. R. Sharma et al.
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Marine Microplastics: Detection and Mitigation Strategies
Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 180, 2022. Authors: Dr. M. Singh et al.
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Biotechnological Applications of Halophilic Bacteria
Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 119, Issue 5, 2022. Authors: Dr. P. Mehta et al.
News & Events
International Conference on Marine Chemicals 2023
Join us in November 2023 for a global gathering of scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of marine chemical research. The conference will feature keynote speeches, technical sessions, and networking opportunities.
15-17 November 2023 | Bhavnagar, India
Register NowCSMCRI Wins National Innovation Award
Our institute received the National Innovation Award 2023 for developing a low-cost water desalination system for rural communities. The award recognizes our contribution to societal impact through scientific innovation.
10 August 2023
Read MorePartnership with European Research Council
We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Research Council to jointly work on sustainable salt production technologies. This five-year collaboration includes exchange programs and shared funding.
25 July 2023
Read MoreOur Leadership Team
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Director
PhD in Chemical Engineering with 30 years of experience in marine research. Dr. Kumar has led numerous national and international projects.
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Dr. Anjali Patel
Head of Research
Expert in marine biotechnology with over 100 publications. Dr. Patel oversees all research divisions and innovation programs.
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Dr. Sanjay Mehta
Chief Scientist
Specialist in salt technology and process engineering. Dr. Mehta has developed several commercialized technologies for the salt industry.
ContactContact Us
Get in Touch
Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364002, India
+91-278-2561234
+91-278-2561235
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM IST