The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has announced its plans to assist research institutions in strengthening and augmenting their infrastructure capabilities in biotech field. The department would help them to set up centres of excellence in the institutions to upgrade institutional research capacity in areas of biotechnology.

According to DBT plans, flexible support would be provided to expand and develop faculty research capability as well as enhance research infrastructure. The objective is to establish centre for excellence with a specific thematic focus, with a multi-disciplinary approach for research in the specific theme. The centre will have to be led by a peer-reviewed investigator with expertise central to the research theme. The department has invited proposals from research institutions across the country for setting up such centres.

DBT indicates that the proposals should have a thematic scientific focus in a specific research area and may use basic, applied or both research approaches to attain the goals of the proposed centre. The department feels that the scientific leadership provided by one or more established research faculty is critical to the success of this initiative, especially for the mentoring of promising junior investigators. The centre is intended to support investigators from several complementary disciplines.

A critical mass of young scientists around a leader would be the ideal pattern. This group will be developed either through involvement of existing scientists or by infusion of fresh talent. Development of a critical mass of investigators is envisaged to enhance their competitiveness in a specific research area that accelerates the rate at which those investigators compete for other complementary external peer reviewed research grant support. It is also anticipated that in some instances, the support through this initiative will facilitate the development of new research centres or augment the capability of existing centres.

The centres are expected to be goal oriented with a mix of product oriented discovery science aimed at product and process development. It can even be a virtual model developed through collaborative interactive efforts of young and senior scientists. The deadline for submitting the proposals is July 25, 2005.