The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the PAS was founded on March 19, 1955 by the resolution of the Presidium of the Government of the People's Republic of Poland.

The scientific goals of the Institute were described as follows: "The activity of the Institute of Physical Chemistry covers research on current issues in the field of physical chemistry which are important from the point of view of the development of chemical sciences and demands of the national economy".

      The Institute of Physical Chemistry was the first research institute dedicated to chemical sciences in Poland.

During the first period of the existence of the Institute the main task was to prepare scientific staff that would be able to undertake fundamental research in the field of physical chemistry and to provide them with the appropriate laboratories and equipment.

The development of the scientific staff was possible due to the fact that the scientists in the research institute were free from teaching duties obligatory in universities and therefore were able to concentrate their activity solely on the development of science.