The Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes (ISL), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was founded  in March 1965 under the leadership of two pioneering scientists: renowned chemist Academician Dagang Liu and distinguished geologist Academician Jianqi Yuan. With their efforts ,the institute pioneered China's first systematic investigation and research of salt lake resources in the Qaidam Basin. For six decades, the ISL has been aligned with national strategic needs and regional economic development, positioned at the global forefront of salt lake science and technology, and committed to resolving major scientific challenges in comprehensive utilization and sustainable development of salt lake resources. The core research focuses on: 1) salt lake resource security and ecological preservation, innovative technologies for efficient separation in salt lakes, and synthesis of high-end chemicals from salt lakes derivatives. As a sole national research institution dedicated exclusively to salt lake studies in China or the world, ISL drives industrial transformation through cutting-edge innovation and cultivation of top-tier scientific talent.

The ISL currently offers doctoral degree programs in three primary disciplines: chemistry, geology, and materials and chemical engineering. Additionally, it provides master's degree programs in five primary disciplines: chemistry, geology, chemical engineering and technology, materials and chemical engineering, and resources and environment. The institute also hosts postdoctoral research stations in the disciplines of chemistry and geology. After decades of continuous effort, the ISL has established a comprehensive disciplinary framework covering geoscience,  chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and salt lake environmental science of salt lakes. It now possesses full-chain innovation capabilities, ranging from efficient exploration and extraction of salt lake resources to green separation technologies, high-end resource utilization, and environmental protection.

The ISL has led the establishment of the Key Laboratory of Green and High-End Utilization of Salt Lake Resources. It operates three provincial-level key laboratories: the Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Salt Lake Geology and Environment, the Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Salt Lake Resources and Chemistry, and the Qinghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Utilization of Salt Lake Resources. The institute has developed distinctive and competitive support platforms, including the Ganhe Pilot Base, the Salt Lake Chemical Analysis and Testing Center, and the Documentation and Information Department. Its landmark achievements include: 1) Establishing China's theoretical framework for salt lake geology and chemistry, 2) Leading three major national surveys and evaluations of salt lake resources, 3) Making foundational contributions to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway's crossing of salt lake areas successfully , 4) Developing IAEA-certified international standard materials for chlorine isotopes, 5) Pioneering potash flotation technologies that laid the technical foundation for China's potash fertilizer industry and enabled Chinese enterprises' first overseas potash resource development projects, 6) Overcoming the globally recognized challenge of lithium extraction from high magnesium-lithium ratio brine and achieving the world's first industrialization of this technology.

Since its founding, the ISL has nurtured a groups of outstanding talents in salt lake science and technology. Among its alumni are four CAS academicians, and more than 20 researchers selected for prestigious national programs including the WR Program and BR Program. The institute has produced over 370 scientific research achievements, with more than 80 receiving national and provincial-level awards. As of July 2025, the institute employs254 staff members, including: 226 permanent staff, 28 special research assistants, 36 senior professionals, and 79 associate senior professionals. With this strong technical team, the institute maintains China's largest institutionalized research team in salt lake sciences.

In recent years, the ISL has significantly enhanced its external cooperation and exchanges. The institute has focused on expanding collaboration with: 1) Belt and Road countries rich in salt lake resources, particularly in South America and Southeast Asia; 2) Technologically advanced nations including the United States, Canada, Israel, and Japan, etc.. It has continuously deepened cooperative relationships with leading salt lake enterprises such as China Salt Lake Industry Group Co., Ltd., CITIC Guoan Co., Ltd., SDIC Xinjiang Luobupo Potash Co., ltd., etc., aiming to promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.

In the new era, under the leadership of its executive team, the ISL is upholding its founding spirit of "hard work, selfless dedication, collaborative endeavor, and pioneering innovation" while keeping pace with the times. With a mission to accelerate breakthroughs in salt lake science and technology, the institute is committed to providing robust scientific support for building a world-class salt lake industrial base. Through these efforts, the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes strives to establish itself as a top-tier international comprehensive research institution.