Introduction of PUIC:
The “Institute of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan” is the oldest
place of learning in Sub-Continental area. It was established under the name of
University Chemical Laboratories in June, 1923. The present name, Institute of
Chemistry was adopted in 1943 and at that time, there were three sections
namely Physical, Inorganic and Organic. After independence two more sections namely
Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry were introduced. In 1950, Pharmaceutical
section was raised to a separate department (now Faculty of Pharmacy). Mineral
Chemistry section remained in the Institute of Chemistry for a couple of years which
was upgraded to the Department of Geology (now Institute of Geology). In 1980, three
more sections, i.e., Analytical, Applied and Nuclear Chemistry were introduced. In past,
it has produced chemists of National and International reputation. After the creation of
Pakistan, it fulfilled its role by providing first rate chemists teachers and researchers to
develop the newly established chemistry sectors in the educational Institutions –
universities and colleges as well as for the research organizations such as PCSIR, AEC
and the chemical and pharmaceutical industry’s technical manpower for process
development, quality control and R & D whenever and wherever it was required. Dr.
Khorana, student of this Institute, has been awarded Nobel Prize. Many others have also
gained international recognition in higher education and research. The Institute
remained well known for its pioneer work in some fields of research, i.e.,
Magnetochemistry, Carbohydrate Chemistry etc., and many renowned Scientists
including Professor A.H. Compton, a Noble laureate, worked in the laboratories of this
Institute. All these achievements could be possible due to talented and highly qualified
teaching staff and highly equipped research laboratories. Now-a-days, the Institute has
thirty faculty members along with 95 technical and administrative staff members. The
faculty of this Institute participated in textbook writing and was the pioneers in
chemistry curriculum development. Several books on various subjects of Chemistry
have been written by the staff of this Institute. More than 500 students were enrolled in
various disciplines, like M.Sc, B.S (Hons), M.Phil and Ph.D. After 1947, more than 120
scholars have been awarded Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from this Institute. At present,
more than 90 Ph.D. students have been registered and are working on various research
projects. Several research projects funded by National and International Agencies have
been successfully completed and many are in hand. Apart from teaching, research is
becoming a very significant part of academic activities of this Institute. In the field of
research, the Institute played a leading role since its establishment. From 1947 to-date
more than 1300 research papers have been published by the faculty of the Institute in
National and International Journals.
