Biocon Academy, a one-of-its-kind Centre of Excellence for Advanced Learning in Applied Bio-Sciences, has announced the commencement of its flagship programme the ‘Biocon KGI Certificate Programme in Biosciences’ – in collaboration with Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California.

The 16-week, full-time Biocon KGI certificate programme will be delivered by renowned faculty from KGI and Biocon Academy. The programmes' broad-based international curriculum encompasses R&D, Production as per GMP, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Product Development and Professional skills, which will enhance the career prospects for fresh biotech graduates as well experienced biotechnologists.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson and managing director, Biocon, welcomed the first batch of students. The programme will provide a unique opportunity for life sciences students to take advantage of the world class advanced learning and training programme that straddles both theory and project-based learning. “I am very pleased to see the quality of the students who have enrolled for this programme. Biocon Academy aims to address the skill deficit and develop high-end talent that catapults the Indian biopharma sector to the next level of growth,” she added.

Sheldon M Schuster, president, Keck Graduate Institute, said, the highly focused educational programmes would help those interested in pursuing a career in the life sciences. Bioscience is a next-generation offering for students who want to develop the skills they need to work in a complex, global, highly regulated industry. “For potential employers, such as Biocon, the creation of this programme means having a wider pool of life science professionals who are ready to contribute to their goals on day one.”

The academy received over 150 applications from all across India for the first batch of the ‘Biocon KGI Certificate Programme in Biosciences’ after admissions opened on Nov. 11, 2013. Following a rigorous selection process, 30 students were chosen to be a part of the inaugural batch.

The first batch includes a good mix of both bio-scientists with experience as well as fresh engineering and science graduates.

The first batch of 30 students will undergo real time classes with KGI faculty and will be mentored by subject matter experts at Biocon. Some of the faculty members are: Dr Meghana Joshi, programme director and faculty, Susan Bain, Professor KGI, Michael Jamieson, adjunct professor KGI, Anastasia Levitin, assistant professor KGI, and Eddie Crabbe, adjunct professor, KGI.