Centre for Excellence :: Rajeev Gandhi Centre for Bio-Technology

Kerala has understood the importance of Science & Technology as is obvious from the various research institutes and technology parks that it has established. To further achieve this goal of science & technology promotion, the Kerala State Council for Science Technology & Environment was established, under whose management comes the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology (RGCB). The foundation stone for the center was laid on November 18th, 1995, by the then Prime Minister of India, Mr.P.V.Narasimha Rao. RGCB reached an important milestone on November 18th, 2002, when His Excellency the President of India, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam inaugurated and dedicated to the nation. RGCB’s new, 1,10,000 square feet laboratory complex. In addition, the center has an excellent 350 seat convention center, guest house for visiting faculty and on-campus student accommodation.

Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology is the only institution of its kind within the country, exclusively devoted to Biotechnology, focusing precisely on translational research. All RGCB research programs are created with the underlying concept of “bench to bedside” and “lab to land” seeking to promote better health care and improved productivity of spices and medicical plants. The institute has 6 highly focused research departments working on medical biotechnology and plant genetic engineering (Molecular Medicine, Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction, Molecular Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology and Plant Molecular Biology). The institute has major interdisciplinary consortium research programs on vaccine development, bioinformatics and bioprospecting for clinically bioactive compounds. A Program of Excellence in Translational Research (PETR) in collaboration with the Regional Cancer Center allows RGCB to carry out leading translational cancer research. True to it’s commitment to translating biotechnology for economic development, RGCB has started strong industrial collaboration and offers incubator facilities for start up biotech companies. RGCB has also not forgotten its social commitments to the State and provides critical services for the community.

The Center has a Regional Facility for Genetic Fingerprinting, which provides DNA analysis services for forensic & criminal investigations, paternity disputes, identification of wildlife remains, authentication of plants and seeds besides a battery of molecular diagnostics for genetic and infectious diseases. RGCB is also a major provider of laboratory and infrastructure services to other academic and research institutions. A small efficient administration runs the affairs of the center with gracious management from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment. The institute is a major stakeholder in human resource development having one of the best doctoral programs in Biotechnology. Admissions to PhD programs take place twice every year in July and December with students being selected from those with National Research Fellowships.

Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology is an institute with a national character led by scientists & research students from various parts of India and a truly national agenda for translating biotechnology into reality at international standards. Little wonder that the institute has made a niche for itself in “God’s Own Country”.

http://rgcb.res.in/