The Royal Society of Chemistry convened the inaugural India Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2026 at the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune. The forum brought together scientists, industry experts, policymakers and innovators to explore how chemistry can help accelerate India’s sustainability goals. Held under the theme “Advancing Sustainability through Chemistry,” the one-day forum provided a national platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange. Discussions addressed key sustainability priorities, including climate action, energy transition, circularity, sustainable manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
Chemistry at the Centre of Sustainable Development
India is at a pivotal stage in its sustainability journey. As the country works towards clean energy, resource efficiency and sustainable industrial growth, science-led innovation and stronger partnerships will become increasingly important. In this context, chemistry and the chemical sciences can play a significant role. From developing sustainable materials and advancing green chemistry to enabling cleaner manufacturing and resource-efficient technologies, chemical innovation can support solutions to complex sustainability challenges.
Connecting Research with Industrial Impact
The India Sustainability Forum 2026 aims to strengthen the connection between scientific research and real-world applications. The forum encourages collaboration, supports innovation and brings academic and industrial communities together to explore practical sustainability solutions. The programme featured keynote addresses and expert panel discussions with leaders from government, academia and industry. Speakers included representatives from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, CSIR-NCL, INFLIBNET Centre, Shiv Nadar University, JNCASR, IIT Bombay, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company, Pidilite Industries and Praj Industries, among other institutions.
Key Sustainability Discussions
The discussions at the forum focused on several important areas:
Translating laboratory research into industrial sustainability solutions
Strengthening academia-industry collaboration for sustainable innovation
Advancing green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing
Building partnerships to accelerate climate and sustainability goals
Supporting India’s transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy
Recognising Innovation in Sustainable Chemistry
In addition to technical discussions, the programme featured a virtual address on RSC’s global sustainability strategy by Jo Reynolds, Director of Global Impact. The forum also recognised leadership and innovation in sustainable chemistry through initiatives such as She Leads Sustainability and the Chemistry for Sustainability: Emerging Researcher Award. It also recognised newly elected RSC Fellows from the Pune region. A video address by Dr Helen Pain MBE CSci CChem FRSC, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society of Chemistry, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable innovation worldwide.
Leaders Highlight the Urgency of Sustainability
As the host institution, CSIR-NCL Pune welcomed the collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry and the INFLIBNET Centre. Dr Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL Pune, said the forum brought together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and young scientists to exchange ideas and develop solutions for a sustainable future. He also described sustainability as a defining challenge at the planetary, national and societal levels. Similarly, Dr Devika Madalli, Director, INFLIBNET Centre, emphasised the urgency of sustainability, stating that it has moved beyond being simply a research question to becoming a matter of existence. Dr BLV Prasad, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NCL Pune, highlighted the global nature of climate change, noting that it transcends national borders.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Collaboration
The inaugural India Sustainability Forum is envisioned as a flagship RSC event in India. By bringing together scientific, industrial and policy communities, the forum seeks to catalyse meaningful collaborations and strengthen the connection between science and society. As per the Royal Society of Chemistry press release, the event was organised in partnership with CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, with support from the INFLIBNET Centre and academic and industry associations across India. Through continued collaboration, the forum aims to contribute to the development and adoption of sustainable solutions for India’s future.
