The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), located in Trombay, Mumbai, is India’s leading nuclear research facility. Established in January 1954 by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, it was initially named the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) and later renamed in 1967 to honor its founder. BARC’s research spans the entire spectrum of nuclear science and engineering, including reactor design, fuel cycle, and waste management.

It operates several research reactors, such as the Apsara-U reactor, and develops radiation technologies for health, food, and agriculture. Additionally, BARC produces radioisotopes for medical and industrial use and conducts extensive environmental and radiation monitoring research. The center’s advanced research covers multiple disciplines, including materials science, chemical engineering, biology, and supercomputing. BARC’s infrastructure includes state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, with primary facilities in Trombay and additional ones in Kalpakkam and Challakere.

A new uranium enrichment facility is under construction in Atchutapuram, Andhra Pradesh, to support India’s nuclear submarine program. BARC operates under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India, with Shri Vivek Bhasin serving as its current director since September 15, 2023. BARC plays a crucial role in advancing nuclear science and technology in India, contributing to both peaceful applications and national security.