Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, called on national research institutions to actively collaborate with the private sector. He made this appeal after the Government of India liberalised the nuclear medicine domain, thereby opening new avenues for public–private partnerships.
He specifically encouraged Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations with private players and other national institutes. “There is immense scope for collaboration in nuclear medicine research,” he stated, adding that the nuclear medical mission now welcomes private participation.
Foundation Stone for State-of-the-Art cGMP Facility
As per the press release, Dr Singh made these remarks after laying the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility at the Akkulam campus of BRIC-RGCB. In addition, he dedicated the National Facility for Recombinant Cells & Sensors, marking a significant advancement in biotechnology research infrastructure.
Furthermore, he inaugurated the annual Science Day programme at the campus, reinforcing the government’s continued support for scientific innovation.
BioE3 Policy Signals Bio-Driven Economy
Highlighting India’s policy initiatives, Dr Singh noted that the country is among the few nations to introduce a dedicated biotechnology framework — the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. According to him, the recently announced Biopharma SHAKTI Mission in the Union Budget demonstrates policymakers’ recognition that the global economy is steadily becoming bio-driven.
Moreover, he explained that this shift will influence multiple sectors, including green cycling, regeneration, and the circular economy. “These emerging domains will become key determinants of a nation’s economic strength,” he asserted.
Decade of Strong Push for Science and Biotechnology
Dr Singh emphasized that over the past decade, the government has prioritised science and technology, particularly biotechnology. As a result, institutions such as BRIC-RGCB have expanded their research capabilities and national impact.
He praised BRIC-RGCB researchers for their contributions to molecular biology, disease biology, genomics, and cancer research. Additionally, he noted that the institution has attracted scholars from across the country in areas such as sequencing, bioinformatics, and interdisciplinary cancer research.
Release of National Science Day Book
During the function, Dr Singh released the National Science Day commemorative book, “Quantum Physics: One Hundred Magical Years,” authored by Prof. VPN Nampoori of CUSAT, Kochi. This release further underscored the event’s focus on celebrating scientific progress.
Biotechnology as a Game Changer
Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC, presided over the function. He stated that biotechnology systems will act as a transformative force for India’s progress.
He further explained that the BioE3 Policy 2024 reflects the Government of India’s strategic vision, as it encompasses six thematic sectors, including bio-manufacturing.
Importantly, he highlighted that the government recently launched an HPV vaccination drive based on data generated by BRIC-RGCB, demonstrating the institution’s direct contribution to national health initiatives.
Institution’s Legacy and Expanding Research Resources
In her welcome address, Dr Jyoti Logani, DBT Nodal Officer for BRIC-RGCB, emphasized that the institution has contributed to national health initiatives for 35 years, thereby establishing itself as a model research centre.
Meanwhile, Dr T R Santhosh Kumar, Director (Additional Charge), BRIC-RGCB, shared that the National Facility for Recombinant Cells & Sensors now houses approximately 600–700 types of stable cell lines covering numerous cancer targets. Consequently, BRIC-RGCB has emerged as one of the leading global resource centres for such innovative tools.
He further explained that the new cGMP facility aims to develop cost-effective models to support cell and gene therapy solutions. In doing so, the facility will help make next-generation treatments more affordable and accessible.
Vote of Thanks
Dr Asha Nair, Dean of Research Administration at BRIC-RGCB, concluded the programme with a vote of thanks, marking the close of an event that underscored India’s growing momentum in biotechnology and nuclear medicine research.