Established in 2009, the Department of Engineering Chemistry stands as one of the oldest departments at KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology. Boasting a cadre of highly qualified faculty members with expertise in both academia and research, the department is dedicated to adhering to the principles of Outcome Based Education (OBE) in its teaching and learning processes. Engaging in interdisciplinary research, the faculty members actively support B.E/B.Tech. students in their projects. The department has a storied tradition of delivering high-quality teaching and conducting cutting-edge research in various thrust areas of chemical science
Recognized as a research center by the Centre for Research, Anna University, Chennai, the Department of Engineering Chemistry offers full-time/part-time Ph.D. programs in seven specializations such as Materials, Polymers, Medicinal, Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical chemistry. It provides rigorous research training to both students and scholars, facilitated by a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure. The initial financial support for the department amounted to 1 lakh from AICTE in 2011. Subsequently, in 2018, the department attained its inaugural DST-SERB project grant, securing 27 lakhs and accomplishing the project successfully by 2021. Currently, the department has acquired funds totaling 7 lakhs from UGC-DAE, along with the DST Women Scientist Scholarship. Further grants include a CSIR – EMR grant of 27 lakhs, TNSCST student project funding and conference support from DRDO.
Eight scholars from the department have successfully completed their Ph.D., and another Sixteen scholars are currently pursuing their Ph.D. with funding from the KPR Institute fellowship. Faculty members have completed Post-Doctoral Fellowships in countries such as Italy, China, Malaysia, France, and South Korea. The department's faculty has an impressive publication record, contributing papers to highly reputable journals.
Additionally, the department hosts visiting professors from abroad and esteemed institutes, enriching the academic environment by sharing their insights with students and scholars. The overarching goal of the Department of Engineering Chemistry is to cultivate excellence among students and research scholars in their respective disciplines by imparting extensive knowledge about the fundamental principles of science.