Delivering Discovery for India

Recent decades have seen enormous strides in the understanding of the molecular structures, mechanisms, genetic characteristics and biology of all living things. This vast knowledge base has allowed development of technical innovations including genetic engineering, transgenics and molecular diagnostics, all collectively falling in the realm of biotechnology. There are many who share the idea that biotechnology will follow information technology to become a mainstream focal point in the generation of a knowledge-based economy. Indeed, progress in biotechnology will rely on information technology and computational biology allowing deeper understanding of the nature of biological processes.

RGCB is culturally adapted to the interdisciplinary mode of biotechnology research needed for such goals. The academic and research units at RGCB have clear objectives and goals. In understanding disease biology and molecular medicine, RGCB scientists utilize information and techniques available in the post genome era to understand etiology, pathogenesis and disease course of acute and chronic diseases besides developing strategies for prevention and cure, including newer therapeutic molecules, vaccines and improved diagnostics. Although it may be still early to understand the implications and long term benefits of crops and foods with modified genes, RGCB biotechnologists strive on with the development of disease resistant pepper and ginger, two of the state's important cash crops besides developing and characterizing medicinal plants and derivatives. RGCB is also a major stakeholder in human resource development. The institute's PhD program is ranked among the top 3 in India and continues to be a most sought after one in the country. It also is a major provider of trained manpower to academia and industry. RGCB also provides laboratory support for many masters programs of various institutes. In addition RGCB has two major public service facilities, a Regional Facility for DNA Fingerprinting catering to the judicial and crime investigation agencies as well as a Regional Facility for Molecular Diagnostics that provides advanced molecular investigations for viral diseases, cancer and genetic diseases.

RGCB is therefore on the right track and doing well. I am confident that that RGCB will continue to lead the translation of biotechnology into nation building, providing leadership, scientific expertise and infrastructure for progress in biotechnology. My scientific, technical & administrative colleagues and I intend to apply our vision, passion, discipline and conscience to lead RGCB into a new horizon for biotechnology applications and development. Please feel free to contact us at director@rgcb.res.in or info@rgcb.res.in for any information that you might need and comments that you wish to make.