The research for developing effective treatment methods against infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS should not be isolated efforts but grand partnerships, Dr M K Bhan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has opined. The department intends to promote more joint research programmes than independent research ventures, he said.

Delivering the key note address at the National Conference on Research in HIV & AIDS, organized by National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) here, Dr Bhan wanted NACO, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Technology to join hands for a grant alliance to mobilize resources for initiating research programmes on infectious diseases.

"International partnerships are easy. But internal partnerships take time here. It should change. Let us set up research institutions that go beyond HIV/AIDS research," he opined. According to him, India has more resources for AIDS research that it actually need. "There are several funding agencies who are finding it difficult to disburse their funds due to lack of good research proposals. Let us come out with good ideas, funding will not be a problem", he said. Dr Bhan also called for meeting of small expert groups to generate potential research ideas.

The conference is to review and identify bottlenecks in HIV & AIDS research in India. It is expected to stimulate research in the area of HIV/AIDS by identifying the research gaps, prioritise the research and formulate strategies accordingly.

About 700 delegates are participating in the event which focuses on three major areas like communications, Behavioural and Social Sciences Research, Biomedical Research and Programmes Research.