The 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) Society was held today under the Chairmanship of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), CGO Complex, New Delhi. During the meeting, a Presentation was made on Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT and DG, BRIC.
On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh also announced the successful gene therapy trial for Haemophilia conducted with the support of the Department of Biotechnology at Christian Medical college, Vellore. This has been reported by one of the world's most prestigious journals, "New England Journal of Medicine".
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative journey of India’s biotechnology sector. There is a significant role of BRIC in unifying the governance of 14 premier biotechnology institutions to foster research, innovation, and capacity building.
The Union Minister launched the First Annual Report of BRIC, 2024, the i3c BRIC-RCB-PhD Programme Brochure, and BRIC News, showcasing the achievements and vision of the council. The society approved the Audited Annual Accounts and Auditor’s Report for 2023-24, reflecting the council’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Dr. Singh appreciated the launch of the i3c BRIC-RCB Ph.D Programme, a globally competitive interdisciplinary initiative designed to promote innovative research and hands-on training. The programme has already enrolled its first batch of 58 students. He also praised the Zero Waste Life Initiative being implemented across BRIC campuses, which underscores sustainability as a core institutional value.