Department of Physical Chemistry was founded at the same time as the Vinca Institute, in 1948, and was moved to its separate facility in 1950. The first Head of Department (Laboratory) was Academician Pavle Savić, the founder of the Institute. This department has been the parent laboratory to all subsequenty established Institute departments whose fields of research include chemistry, physical chemistry, and advanced materials.

Following its original lines of research and accumulated knowledge, the Department still focuses on the application of specific methods and techniques of chemical analysis (mass, optical, and laser spectroscopy, chemical sensors) and the use of stable isotopes.