The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, is a constituent Laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR). Initially established in 1975 as a CSIR Complex, it was named as the Regional Research Laboratory in 1978 and later renamed as NIIST in 2007. Its mandate is to conduct research and development activities of the highest quality in areas related to effective utilization of resources of the region and of fundamental importance to the country. Currently, NIIST is engaged in R & D programmes in areas related to Agro-processing and technology, Chemical Sciences and technology, Materials Science and Technology, Microbial processes & technology, Environmental Technology. The institute has established state-of-the-art facilities for conducting advanced research in the areas of interest. Pilot plant facilities for research training and process/product development in the areas of spices and oilseeds have been established. The institute has also been playing a significant role in Human Resource Development by training post graduate/graduate students, with over 252 Ph.D degrees awarded till date, based on research conducted in the institute.