Royal Society of Chemistry Inaugurates India Sustainability Forum 2026
On 16 September 2026, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) convened the inaugural India Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2026 at the CSIR‑National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR‑NCL) in Pune. The event was organised in partnership with CSIR‑NCL and the INFLIBNET Centre, bringing together leading scientists, industry experts, policymakers and innovators.
Theme and Objectives
The forum was held under the theme “Advancing Sustainability through Chemistry” and was positioned as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange on India’s most pressing sustainability challenges, including climate action, energy transition, circularity, sustainable manufacturing and environmental stewardship. RSC aims to strengthen connections between research and real‑world impact by fostering collaboration, supporting innovation and encouraging engagement between scientific and industrial communities.
Key Statements
- Dr Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, RSC India and South Asia, stated that India has an extraordinary opportunity to lead in science‑driven sustainability solutions and that the forum seeks to accelerate translation of research into societal and environmental impact.
- Dr Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR‑NCL Pune, expressed delight at partnering with RSC and INFLIBNET to bring together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and young scientists to shape solutions for a sustainable future.
- Dr Devika Madali, Director of INFLIBNET Centre, emphasized that sustainability is no longer a research question but a matter of existence.
- Dr BLV Prasad, Chief Scientist, CSIR‑NCL, concluded his keynote with the remark “Climate change doesn’t need a passport or a visa”.
Participants and Topics
Speakers represented 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, Praj Industries and other leading institutions. Panel discussions focused on:
- Translating laboratory research into industrial sustainability solutions;
- Advancing sustainable innovation through academia‑industry collaboration;
- Green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing;
- Building partnerships to accelerate climate and sustainability goals;
- Supporting India’s transition towards a circular and low‑carbon economy.
Awards and Virtual Addresses
The programme included a virtual address by Jo Reynolds, Director, Global Impact, RSC, outlining the society’s global sustainability strategy. Recognition programmes celebrated leadership and innovation in sustainable chemistry, featuring the She Leads Sustainability award, the Chemistry for Sustainability: Emerging Researcher Award, and acknowledgment of RSC Fellows from the Pune region. A video address from Dr Helen Pain MBE, CEO of RSC, reinforced the organisation’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable innovation worldwide.
Outlook
The inaugural ISF 2026 is envisioned as a flagship, recurring event for the Royal Society of Chemistry in India, intended to catalyse collaborations, strengthen the link between science and society, and accelerate development of sustainable solutions for India’s future.