The Department of Chemistry was established in January 2006, based on the former Chemistry Chair.

The Chair of Chemistry was originally founded on October 4, 1935, at the Batumi Teachers' Institute. Over its 75-year history, it underwent complex development and organizational transformation. The first head of the Chair was Associate Professor Giorgi Tsitsishvili (1936–1945).

In January 1945, when the Teachers' Institute was reorganized into a State Pedagogical Institute, the need arose to establish separate departments for the natural sciences. In September 1946, chemistry laboratories were separated from the Natural Sciences Chair, and the Chemistry Chair was formally established, with Professor Viktor Kokochashvili appointed as head. At the time, the faculty included Associate Professor A. Noghaideli and Senior Lecturers V. Kemkhadze, N. Zhordania, and D. Imnadze.

Professor Kokochashvili contributed significantly to the development of Georgian-language chemistry textbooks and the education of young generations.

In 1948, Associate Professor Vladimir Kemkhadze (1907–1983) took over leadership. In 1955, following a merger of profiles at the Batumi Pedagogical Institute, the Chemistry Chair was dissolved, and chemistry faculty merged with the Natural Sciences Chair, now headed by Associate Professor Jemal Meskhi. Vladimir Kemkhadze was appointed Director of the Institute.

Chemistry laboratory and classroom development received support from Professor Alexander (Ahmed) Noghaideli of Tbilisi State University’s Department of High-Molecular Compounds Chemistry, who donated laboratory equipment and reagents.

In May 1971, a new Chair of Chemistry and Methodology of Natural Sciences Education was formed, led by Associate Professor Irakli Nakaidze. Later, in June 1978, the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Education of Georgia established the Chair of Chemistry and Natural Sciences, combining chemistry, plant physiology, microbiology, basics of agriculture, and natural studies. The chair was led by Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor Otar Shamilishvili, transferred in 1971 from the Georgian Polytechnic Institute. He led the Chair for 28 years and received numerous awards, including the Order of Honor.

During these years, the Chair organized university-wide events, including jubilees for Professors V. Kemkhadze and A. Noghaideli and the Transcaucasian Chemists’ Conference.

In January 2006, the Department of Chemistry was established based on the Chemistry Chair. The first head was Prof. Nino Kiknadze, followed by Assoc. Prof. Nato Didmanidze (2006–2013), and from 2013 to the present, the department is led by Assoc. Prof. Maia Vanidze.

Academic and Research Activities:

The department comprises the following focus areas:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Research priorities include:

• Synthesis and study of new bio-coordination compounds with biometals
• Seasonal chemical dynamics of the Black Sea’s coastal waters (Adjara region)
• Study of physiologically active compounds in biological systems
• Development of zero-waste, eco-friendly complex technologies for fruit processing

Academic Programs:

Since 2000, a Master's program in "Chemistry of Complex Compounds" has been available. The current Master's program, titled "Chemistry", includes four specializations:

1. Inorganic and Coordination Chemistry
2. Bioorganic Chemistry
3. Physical Chemistry of Membrane Processes
4. Chemical Analysis and Expertise

Since 2009, the department has also offered a Doctoral program in Bioorganic Chemistry, coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Maia Vanidze.

Facilities:

The department operates seven teaching laboratories and collaborates with:

• The Western Georgia Regional Chromatography Center
• The Institute of Agricultural and Membrane Technologies

The Chromatography Center, opened in the 2014–2015 academic year, is led by Prof. Aleko Kalandia and was established with funding from the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation. It conducts cutting-edge international research using modern equipment and supports scientific projects across all three academic levels (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral).

Academic Staff:

• Professors: Aleko Kalandia, Irina Bezhanidze
• Associate Professors: Maia Vanidze (Head), Nino Kiknadze
• Assistant Professors: Tina Kharebava, Gultamze Tavdgiridze, Indira Japaridze
• Technical Specialists: Tamila Gogitidze, Manana Kuchava

Student Engagement and Outreach:

The department closely collaborates with the faculty’s Quality Assurance Office to continuously improve educational programs and syllabi. Academic staff and students actively participate in:

• Grant-funded projects (including those funded by the Rustaveli Foundation, the Presidential Reserve Fund, and the “Tomorrow's Success” fund)
• Summer schools, charity events, and science outreach programs
• Partnerships with public schools, organizing educational and interactive science events