SYLLABUS
GS-3: Awareness in the field of biotechnology.
Context:
Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved Phase III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) to strengthen India’s biomedical research ecosystem.
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- This Phase will be implemented in partnership between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Wellcome Trust (WT), United Kingdom, and the India Alliance (Special Purpose Vehicle).
- Phase-III will cover the period 2025-26 to 2030-31, with an additional six years till 2037-38 to service approved fellowships and grants.
- The total approved cost is ₹1,500 crore, of which DBT will contribute ₹1,000 crore, and WT will contribute ₹500 crore.
Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP)
- Launched in 2008–09 under the DBT–Wellcome Trust India Alliance to support high-quality biomedical research through competitive research fellowships based in India.
- It enables early, intermediate and senior-level researchers to establish careers in biomedical or clinical & public health research.
Phase I (2008–2009 onwards):
- Introduced internationally recognized research fellowships and laid the foundation for a strong pool of young biomedical researchers.
Phase II (2018–2019 onwards):
- Expanded the fellowships and grant portfolio, consolidated talent, infrastructure, and collaboration, building on the outcomes of Phase I.
Phase III:
Phase III Objectives: Aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, Phase III aims to:
- Nurture top-tier scientific talent for cutting-edge biomedical research.
- Promote interdisciplinary and translational innovation for societal benefit.
- Strengthen institutional systems supporting high-quality research.
- Reduce regional disparities in research capacity.
- Build world-class biomedical research infrastructure with global impact.
Key Components of Phase-III:
- Research Fellowships: Early Career and Intermediate Fellowships in basic, clinical, and public health research to support promising scientists.
- Collaborative Grants Programme: Career Development and Catalytic Collaborative Grants for 2–3 investigator teams, aimed at early to mid-senior career researchers.
- Research Management Programme: To strengthen mentorship, networking, and public engagement, and foster new national and international partnerships.
Expected Outcomes:
- Training of over 2,000 students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Generation of high-impact publications and patentable discoveries.
- Greater peer recognition for Indian biomedical researchers.
- 10–15% increase in support for women scientists.
- 25–30% of collaborative programmes reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher.
- Expanded research footprint in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
