The successful gene therapy trial for hemophilia, which was carried out with assistance from the Department of Biotechnology at Christian Medical College, Vellore, was also announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh during the event. One of the most prominent journals in the world, the “New England Journal of Medicine,” has reported on this.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra emphasized the biotechnology industry’s revolutionary path in India. In order to promote research, innovation, and capacity building, BRIC has played a vital role in bringing together the governance of 14 leading biotechnology institutions.
In order to highlight the accomplishments and goals of the council, the Union Minister introduced the i3c BRIC-RCB-PhD Program Brochure, BRIC News, and the First Annual Report of BRIC, 2024. The society gave its approval to the 2023–24 Audited Annual Accounts and Auditor’s Report, which demonstrated the council’s dedication to openness and responsibility.
The i3c BRIC-RCB Ph.D. Program, a globally competitive interdisciplinary project aimed at fostering creative research and practical training, was launched with appreciation from Dr. Singh. A total of 58 students have already been enrolled in the program.
He also commended the Zero Waste Life Initiative, which emphasizes sustainability as a fundamental institutional principle and is being adopted on all BRIC campuses.
The development of the iBRIC+ Biosciences Innovation Park in the NCR Biocluster has advanced and the Union Minister praised this development. This cutting-edge institution hopes to act as a center for sophisticated R&D and biotechnology startups. An important turning point in the country’s biotechnology development was also marked by the founding of BRIC-NABI, India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute, which was officially opened in October 2024. Strategic initiatives like the creation of multidisciplinary research networks, which have led to the implementation of 24 creative programs involving more than 90 scientists from diverse BRIC universities, are crucial, Dr. Singh emphasized.
Additionally, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra emphasized the council’s governance accomplishments, such as the establishment of the BRIC Finance Committee and Governing Body and the effective deployment of a Centralized Accounting System. In order to improve research outputs and encourage techno-entrepreneurship, he underlined the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with organizations such as AIIMS and IITs. Additionally, he exhorted the universities to embrace cutting-edge teaching strategies, encourage interdisciplinary research, and help realize India’s goal of biotechnology self-reliance.
Dr. Jitendra said he was certain that BRIC countries could grow biotechnology research and innovation to meet both domestic and international issues. Ms. Ekta Vishnoi, Joint Secretary, DBT, gave a vote of gratitude to end the meeting. India’s bio-economy and position as a global leader in the biotechnology industry are mostly driven by BRIC countries.
-Raja Aditya
