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.

Source:
PIB
Pm India