Director's message

From the Director's Desk

Welcome to CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory where tradition meets transformation.

CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) stands at the confluence of science, service, and societal impact — a premier institution with a legacy of excellence in metallurgical research and a vision deeply rooted in sustainability and innovation. As we move through the 21st century, NML continues to serve as a cornerstone in India's industrial, technological, and environmental progress.

Founded in 1950 as one of the earliest National Laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), NML has been instrumental in laying the foundation for India's metallurgical capabilities. From establishing the earliest extractive metallurgy practices to becoming a global leader in materials science, the journey of CSIR-NML is one of perseverance, discovery, and national service. CSIR-NML stands as a symbol of India's metallurgical excellence — a place where scientific heritage inspires innovation. The lab’s heritage is not just about its historical achievements, but also about the values that have shaped its vision — integrity in science, collaboration with industry and unwavering commitment to public goods.

Over the decades, CSIR-NML has contributed to strategic sectors including steel, non-ferrous metals, mining, defence, and aerospace. Our metallurgists and material scientists have developed technologies that continue to be used in core industries across India. Failure Analysis and Structural Health Monitoring of Industrial Components at CSIR-NML have served as a sentinel for safety in engineering systems, while our pioneering work in corrosion protection and alloy development has elevated standards in both design and durability.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, CSIR-NML embraces innovation as both a necessity and a responsibility. Our R&D programs address the pressing needs of industry and society, ranging from advanced materials and nanotechnology to additive manufacturing and digital process control. We are committed to translating research into real-world impact — creating pilot-scale demonstrations, technology transfers and customized solutions for industry partners.

Innovation at CSIR-NML is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and deeply focused on national priorities such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Digital India. Through international collaborations, cutting-edge instrumentation, and in-house expertise, we are driving the next wave of metallurgical advancements.

As environmental challenges grow in urgency, CSIR-NML has placed sustainability at the heart of its mission. Our efforts span across waste valorisation, energy-efficient process development, life cycle assessment, and circular economy initiatives. We are working to reduce the ecological footprint of metal production, improve material recyclability and enable industries to adopt greener technologies.

From bioleaching of ores to zero-waste process design, CSIR-NML’s research portfolio is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that scientific growth is in harmony with environmental stewardship. Our research based on circular economy practices, energy-efficient processes, green technologies and resource conservation - generate solutions that are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible.

This website is a reflection of our enduring legacy and dynamic future. It is designed not just as an information portal, but as a platform for dialogue, partnership and opportunity. Whether you are an industry leader seeking innovative solutions, a researcher exploring collaborative projects, a student inspired by science, or a policymaker shaping the future — we welcome you to engage with us. This website also provides information to budding scientific researchers who have passion and zeal to accept scientific challenges as career goal.

We invite you to explore our work, collaborate with our experts, and be part of a vision that honours our heritage while shaping a sustainable, technology-driven tomorrow. This website offers insight into our capabilities, technologies, pilot-scale facilities, and partnership opportunities. We invite industry professionals to explore how NML can support your R&D needs, enhance operational efficiency, and co-develop customized solutions that deliver value. At CSIR-NML, we honour our past, empower the present, and envision a sustainable, technologically empowered tomorrow.

Jamshedpur is the first industrial city before independence; besides integrated steel plant of more than 100 years, the city also hosts various other companies related to automobiles as well as construction sector. The adjacent city has few hundreds of MSMEs who supply components not only to the companies at and around Jamshedpur, but also throughout the nation. We have skill development program through which we have been trying to upgrade the workforce required for those companies as well as employability of local youths having the basic technical knowledge. We aim to develop public private partnerships for enhance the well-being of our people.

Together, let’s build a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable industrial future.

Director's Secretariat

Former Directors from 1949-2022