Although the word “Cryogenics” became popular among the general public in India during 1990s in the wake of the denial of the cryogenic engine technology to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for its Satellite Launch Vehicle Programme by Russia, yet the history of cryogenics/low temperature research in India is very old. As early as 1952, the founder director of NPL, Sir K. S. Krishnan (FRS) acquired a helium liquefier (ADL-50) and established “Low Temperature Physics Division” comprising of physicists trained at Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory and Cambridge Uni. Low temperature studies (down to 1Kelvin) flourished at NPL for decades. This culture soon spread to other reputed institutions like TIFR Bombay, IISc. Bangalore and later to DAE Centres, IITs and universities.

With the establishment of Low Temperature Physics Division comprising of physicists trained at Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory and Cambridge Uni as early as 1952, the Low temperature studies (down to 1Kelvin) flourished at NPL for decades. This culture spread to other reputed institutions like TIFR Bombay, IISc. Bangalore and later to DAE Centres, IITs and universities.

During 1990s a number of ambitious projects were launched in India at a few selected research centres. These were: Particle Accelerators based upon superconducting magnets and cavities, at IUAC, New Delhi and TIFR Bombay, Fusion Reactor SST-1, using large superconducting magnets at IPR, Gandhinagar, and Superconducting Cyclotron at VECC, Kolkata. ICC too expanded its network. These projects injected new blood into the cryogenic activities in the country. Production of LHe and LN2 grew leaps and bound. Young scientists and engineers got involved in designing and fabricating complicated cryostats, large superconducting coils and magnets and superconducting cavities and so on. These projects are bearing fruits now.

The life membership of ICC is over 600. The symposia and conferences organised by ICC have become most awaited events. ICC is celebrating 2025 as the Golden Jubilee Year.