Dr Jitendra Singh launches third phase of Biomedical Research Career Programme

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The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has launched the third phase of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP). The total outlay of the programme is Rs 1,500 crore, with Rs 1,000 crore contributed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Rs 500 crore by the UK-based Wellcome Trust.

Dr Singh launched the flagship programme jointly run by the government's Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the UK's Wellcome Trust through the DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance at a function. Dr Singh said that the Biomedical Research Career Programme has now gone beyond just a fellowship initiative and has made its mark as one of India's most respected scientific career platforms.

The Minister described the partnership between the Government of India and the Wellcome Trust as a shining example of long-standing international scientific cooperation and philanthropy. He said that this programme shows how long-term partnerships can accelerate scientific discoveries, create world-class human resources, and create research ecosystems that are capable of addressing national and global health challenges.

He said that the purpose of this programme is to create a biomedical research workforce that can compete across the world. This will include basic scientists, clinicians-researchers, public health experts, science communicators and research managers. At the same time, it also aims to create more opportunities for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

Launched in 2008, the Biomedical Research Career Programme has supported more than 500 researchers, strengthened biomedical research in more than 200 institutions, trained thousands of students and early-career scientists, and made many globally recognised scientific achievements.