The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) has begun a new phase of institutional consolidation with the first meeting of its Research Advisory Board (RAB) at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad. BRIC is an apex autonomous body created by subsuming 14 autonomous institutes under the Department of Biotechnology. The advisory board has been set up to guide research priorities, review progress, and support mission-oriented biotechnology programmes.
BRIC’s Institutional Framework
BRIC has been formed as a registered society to bring greater coherence to India’s public biotechnology research ecosystem. It brings together institutes working in areas such as human health, agriculture, environment, AI and data sciences. The aim is to create a decentralised yet integrated national biotechnology laboratory with stronger shared infrastructure and governance.
Role of the Research Advisory Board
The BRIC-RAB is chaired by Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and former Secretary, DBT. Its role is to guide, review and monitor research across BRIC institutes. It is also expected to shape new missions, targeted programmes and strategic directions for India’s growing bioeconomy.
Key Themes of the Inaugural Meeting
The two-day meeting focused on:
- Building a collaborative BRIC ecosystem.
- Promoting shared laboratories, infrastructure and expertise.
- Strengthening multidisciplinary research teams.
- Encouraging open knowledge sharing and resource optimisation.
- Developing sovereign technologies for Viksit Bharat.
Discussions also brought into light the need for frugal innovation, design intelligence and locally adapted solutions for critical sectors.
Bioeconomy, Industry Linkages and Future Missions
The meeting examined how BRIC can support technology leadership through stronger industry linkages, biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries. A performance framework for BRIC scientists was also discussed to align research careers with institutional mandates and nation-building goals. The conclave ended with a webinar and panel discussion, creating a platform for faculty and advisory members to exchange ideas on advancing India’s biotechnology ambitions.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026