Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, has unveiled multi-disciplinary post-doctoral courses in Bio-Sciences aimed at addressing global health challenges.
The launch, which took place during the inauguration of the "i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme" in Biosciences, included the announcement of enrolling 1000 Ph.D. students in the next five years, fostering innovation in the critical healthcare sector.
During the event, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the program's foundation on ideation, immersion, innovation, and collaboration. In his keynote address, he expressed confidence that this Ph.D. program would enable Indian students to engage in world-class research across diverse biotechnology fields, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision to leverage science and technology for the benefit of all.
Dr Jitendra Singh outlined the unique features of the Ph.D. program, including a distinctive curriculum and hands-on training using state-of-the-art facilities. He highlighted the provision of an 'Immersion Fellowship' supported by Grand Challenges India, allowing research scholars to gain first-hand experience, address challenges, and motivate collaborative research within DBT institutions. The program also opens opportunities for non-biologists through special fellowships.
The launch event saw the creation of a new Autonomous Body, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that BRIC would integrate multi-disciplinary research and innovation programs, maximizing biotech impact in the country by synergizing efforts across 14 autonomous research institutions.
Additionally, the "Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB)," an Institution of National Importance under the DBT, in collaboration with iBRIC (institutions of BRIC), introduced the globally competitive interdisciplinary Ph.D. program - "The i3c BRIC-RCB PhD Programme in Biosciences."
Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, highlighted the cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary, immersive, and collaborative research in biosciences pioneered by DBT institutions. He expressed confidence that the program would transform the Ph.D. research landscape in the country.
In the ceremony, Dr Jitendra Singh also launched the DBT-Handbook on Bio-design for Med-Tech Innovations and licensed medical technologies developed by DBT-Bio-design fellows to the startups incorporated by them.
Commending the efforts of the DBT Bio-design Centers and their fellows, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that the biomedical devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics developed through the DBT-Biodesign Program would contribute to "Made-in-India" solutions, aligning with the vision of an "Atmanirbhar Bharat."
He highlighted the robust growth of India's bioeconomy in 2022, projecting its value to reach around US$300 billion by 2030. Dr Jitendra Singh also acknowledged the growth potential in the medical devices sector in India under the Make-In-India initiative.