The Department of Biotechnology and Ministry of Science and Technology are planning to collaborate with currently recognized institutions to establish Virus Research Centres to develop comprehensive biomedical programme for virus research in India.

The Centres of Excellence capable of developing broad and comprehensive research programmes for virus research (excluding HIV) is being sought. This will primarily be investigator driven team effort to address diverse aspects of virus research ranging from basic structure, biology, replication, antigenic and genetic diversity, methods of detection, pathogenesis and vaccine development.

The priority research areas include Respiratory viruses with emphasis on Avian Influenza, Enteric Viruses, Hepatitis 'C'&'E', Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, Cytomegalovirus and other emerging viruses such as Chickungunya.

The comprehensive basic and translational research programmes will include structural biology and molecular mechanism of viral replication, rapid methods of virus detection (serologic and molecular tools), viral tropism and host factors, viral diversity and molecular epidemiology, immune correlates of infection or protection (establishment of links with access to clinical material), viral pathogenesis, development of experimental animal model systems, designing of new antiviral based on the molecular structure of the virus, development of novel vaccine platforms and immunogens, partnerships for translational research, vector control strategies and novel emerging viruses.

Both infrastructure and human resource capacity needed to develop such comprehensive programmes would be included in the plan. It is expected that each institution will carry out research on no more than two viral systems at a given time. The programme grants will be funded initially for a period of five years, with possible extension/enlargement based on the performance.

Grant applications are sought from scientists working in universities, national laboratories and private organizations with sound scientific background and track record as evidenced by recent publication lists. Applicants can form coordinated groups, associating researchers with diverse backgrounds and disciplines so as to investigate all aspects of virus research in an integrated manner. Applicants can also develop capacity within their own institution to bring investigators with diverse background to develop comprehensive programme under one roof. Additional collaboration can involve teams from one or more institutions, within or outside.

A panel of experts will review letters of Intents. On the basis of the recommendations, the investigators of the short listed LoIs would be invited to submit full proposals. These would then be processed following the fast track mechanism for award of grant.