Biomedical Research Career Programme Phase III

Context

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the third phase of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP).

About the Biomedical Research Career Programme

• The programme is being implemented in partnership between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Wellcome Trust (WT), UK, and the SPV, India Alliance, for the third phase (2025-26 to 2030-31) and the next six years (2031-32 to 2037-38).
• It aims to provide approved fellowships and grants by 2030-31 at a total cost of ₹1,500 crore, with DBT and WT, UK contributing ₹1,000 crore and ₹500 crore, respectively.
• This program is in line with the goals of promoting skills and innovation. It will foster top-level scientific talent for cutting-edge biomedical research and promote interdisciplinary research to translate innovation into practical solutions (translational innovation).
• It will also strengthen systems supporting high-quality research to develop world-class biomedical research capacity with global impact and reduce regional disparities in scientific capacity.
• The Department of Biotechnology launched the Biomedical Research Career Programme in 2008-2009, with Cabinet approval, in partnership with the Wellcome Trust (WT), UK, through the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance (India Alliance), a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
• It provides India-based research fellowships for biomedical research at world-class standards. This was followed by Phase II with an expanded portfolio in 2018/19.

Programs in Phase III

The following programs are proposed to be implemented in Phase III:

1. Early Career and Intermediate Research Fellowships in Basic, Clinical, and Public Health: These are globally recognized and designed for the early stages of a scientist's research career.
2. Collaborative Grant Programme: These include Career Development Grants and Catalytic Collaborative Grants for teams of 2-3 investigators, respectively, for early and mid-senior career researchers with strong research track records in India.
3. Research Management Program to Strengthen Core Research Efforts.

Conclusion

Phases I and II established India as an emerging hub for biomedical sciences of international standing. India's growing investment in science and its expanding role in the global knowledge economy call for a new phase of strategic efforts. Building on the gains of earlier phases, Phase III will invest in talent, capacity, and transformation in line with national priorities and global standards.