Central Glass And Ceramic Research Institute

Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (also known as CSIR-CGCRI Kolkata abbr. CGCRI Kolkata) is a premier research institute in India dedicated to the advancement of glass, ceramics, mica, refractories and related materials science. Located in Kolkata, West Bengal. CGCRI is one of the first four laboratories established under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India's largest research and development organization. Founded in 1950, CGCRI has played a pivotal role in developing indigenous technologies and fostering innovation in the glass and ceramic industries, contributing significantly to India's scientific and industrial landscape.

History

CGCRI began functioning in a limited way in 1944 and was formally inaugurated on August 26, 1950, by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Its strategic location near mines and industrial centers was chosen to leverage Bengal's scientific and artistic talents. Over the decades, it has expanded its research scope, focusing on national needs like import substitution and industry assistance, and recently emphasized trans-disciplinary science and socio-economic transformation.
When institute started to began functioning in a limited capacity, driven by the need for scientific and industrial research in glass, ceramics, refractories, vitreous enamels, and mica, particularly in the post-independence era. The choice of Kolkata was strategic, given its proximity to mines, quarries, coal-fields, and its status as a principal center for the glass and ceramic industry, leveraging Bengal's artistic and scientific talents.

The initial setup involved an estimated cost of Rs. 1,71,000 for capital and Rs. 1,30,000 for recurring expenses, with an initial grant of Rs 12 lakhs, supplemented by contributions from the Bengal Glass Manufacturer Association, Dr. I.N. Varsheney, and Sir U.N. Brahmachari. Land was acquired from Jadavpur College at a nominal rate of Rs One per acre for 99 years, with construction beginning on September 1, 1945, designed by architects M/s Ballardie, Thompson and Mathew, and the foundation stone laid by Hon’ble Ardeshir Dalal on December 24, 1945.

Early research focused on identifying mineral resources, import substitution, and meeting national needs, with notable early achievements like developing red glass for bangles, supporting an industry worth Rs 4.5 crore. The 1960s saw the development of indigenous optical glass production with a 10-tonne annual capacity pilot plant, while the 1980s marked entry into advanced areas like optical fibre, sol-gel processing, and ceramic electronics. CGCRI established extension centers in Naroda, Gujarat, and Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, and a Ceramic Centre for Rural Development in Pachmura, Bankura, enhancing its outreach.

Post-liberalization, CGCRI emphasized national security, industrial development, and societal activities, exploring fibre optics, photonics, specialty glasses, non-oxide ceramics, electro-ceramics, bio-ceramics, ceramic membranes, nano-materials, and nano-composites. In the new millennium, it realigned with CSIR’s 2022 vision, focusing on trans-disciplinary science, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic transformation, covering sectors like railways, oil & gas, mines, MSME, rural development, public health, water resources, and renewable energy.

Organisation and administration

CGCRI is part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with oversight from CSIR's Governing Body. CGCRI's administration is led by its Director, who is the head of the institute and responsible for overall management, research direction, and administrative oversight. As of June 21, 2025, Prof. Bikramjit Basu serves as the Director of CGCRI, having assumed the role on November 8, 2024. The Director chairs the Management Council, a critical governance body at CGCRI responsible for overseeing day-to-day administration, policy implementation, and strategic planning. The Management Council's composition ensures representation from various stakeholders, including scientists, technical staff, and external experts. A Research Council, starting September 1, 2023, focuses on scientific guidance.

Academics

CGCRI’s academics are centered around its PhD programs offered through AcSIR, its diverse research divisions, and its distinguished faculty of 86 scientific staff. The institute provides a world-class environment for PhD students to conduct research in cutting-edge areas of materials science, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, a Knowledge Resource Centre, and a strong emphasis on training and industry collaboration. With its focus on both fundamental and applied research, CGCRI continues to be a leading institution for academic excellence in glass, ceramics, and related fields.

PhD Programs through AcSIR

CGCRI offers PhD programs in Sciences and Engineering through AcSIR, which operates on a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model, with CGCRI as one of its 80 associated research institutes. he PhD programs are conducted twice a year, with admissions announced through national dailies and web media. The process involves shortlisting candidates based on academic records, followed by tests and/or interviews at CGCRI.

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Research institutes in Kolkata
Glass engineering and science
Research institutes in West Bengal
Ceramics
1950 establishments in West Bengal
Research institutes established in 1950