Somaiya Vidyavihar University & Frontier Labs collaborate on Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis

New Delhi: Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) has inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis (CoE-AnPy), a state-of-the-art facility established in collaboration with Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Japan.

The facility is dedicated to advancing polymer science research, interdisciplinary learning, and industry engagement in India. Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, along with Dr Atsushi Watanabe, Ichi, President of Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Japan inaugurated the center.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr Karthikeyan Sathrugnan, Regional Technical Marketing Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Singapore, Ms Anusha Kadimisetti, Technical Marketing Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltd, India, Lt. General H. S. Kahlon, Secretary Somaiya Vidyavihar, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, SVU, Dr Nandkumar Gilke, Registrar, SVU, Prof S. Sivaram, Professor of Eminence, SVU,

Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Japan signed an MoU to formalise this collaboration. The Centre will focus on addressing critical scientific and societal challenges related to natural and synthetic polymers, including sustainability, microplastics, and waste plastics management.

Equipped with Frontier Laboratories’ cutting-edge Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) instruments, including a multi-shot pyrolyser, selective sampler, cryogenic mill and microjet cryotrap. The centre will enable high-throughput polymer analysis, structural characterisation, and study of degradation mechanisms with minimal sample preparation.

As part of the collaboration, researchers at Somaiya Vidyavihar University will receive hands-on training from experts from Frontier Laboratories and Shimadzu India Private Ltd. This includes a one-week program at IIT Madras and three days of on-site instruction, ensuring students and faculty are fully equipped to leverage the advanced instrumentation for both research and teaching. The collaboration extends beyond access to state-of-the-art equipment to include deep technical expertise and knowledge transfer from Frontier Laboratories.

Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “The Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis is a key part of our vision to build world-class research facilities and foster international collaborations. With Frontier Laboratories, our students and faculty can now explore cutting-edge polymer research and tackle challenges like microplastics, while also strengthening industry and academic partnerships”

Dr. Atsushi Watanabe, Ichi, President, Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Japan, added, “Pyrolysis techniques have existed since the early days of polymer science in the 1950s and 60s, but their potential has often been overlooked in favour of other analytical methods like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Today, with growing environmental challenges such as microplastics and plastic waste, pyrolysis stands out as a powerful tool to address these real-world problems. We hope that this Centre of Excellence will not only advance polymer research in India but also contribute solutions to global environmental challenges.”

The CoE-AnPy will also develop technical notes, joint research publications, and industry-driven solutions, reinforcing Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s mission to nurture skilled researchers, foster innovation, and foster academia-industry collaborations in advanced polymer characterisation.

With this initiative, Somaiya Vidyavihar University sets a new benchmark for polymer research in India by providing students and researchers access to world-class instruments, training, and expertise while driving sustainable solutions and industrial innovation.