January, 2018 marks 50 years since the creation of the Dumansky Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Water Chemistry NAS of Ukraine. The article deals with the history of the Institute, the development of its main scientific directions related to the most diverse aspects of water chemistry and technology, as well as the problems of colloidal and analytical chemistry. The most significant scientific achievements of its employees are outlined and the most important tasks that are faced by the Institute's staff are highlighted.