Vadodara: In a major boost to academic and industrial research, Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda is set to establish a Centre for Advanced Materials Characterization at an estimated cost of Rs. 11 crore. The project, aimed at strengthening high-end research capabilities across science and technology disciplines, has received in-principle approval from the Gujarat government.

The proposed centre will provide researchers and students access to advanced scientific equipment required for world-class research in material science and related fields. The entire project cost will be borne by the state government. Administrative procedures and preliminary surveys have already begun, and the procurement process is expected to be initiated once the official grant is released.

The facility will house seven state-of-the-art scientific instruments used for advanced material testing and analysis. These include X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and a UV-Visible Spectrometer (UV-Vis).

The equipment will support a wide range of research activities across science, technology and engineering disciplines. XRD is used for crystal structure analysis, Raman Spectroscopy helps identify molecular structures and vibrations, while LC-MS and GC-MS are widely used for detailed chemical analysis. FEG-SEM enables high-resolution imaging at the nanoscale, FTIR helps determine the chemical composition of materials, and UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to analyse light absorption properties.

University officials said the centre will not be restricted to MSU researchers alone. Students, scientists and researchers from other academic institutions, as well as private industries and startups, will also be able to access the facility on a fee-based model. While university researchers are expected to receive concessional rates, separate charges will be applicable for external users.

The centre is planned to operate on a self-sustainable model, generating revenue through user fees to meet its maintenance and operational expenses.

Sources said the Gujarat government has already granted in-principle approval for the project. Following the release of funds and issuance of the necessary government orders, the procurement and installation of the equipment are expected to be completed within six months.

Officials believe the facility, one of its kind in Gujarat, will significantly enhance research infrastructure in the state and create new opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. DeshGujarat