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Key Points

The government has launched the third phase of the Biomedical Research Career Programme with a massive Rs 1,500 crore budget. This initiative specifically focuses on bridging regional gaps and providing extra support for women scientists in research. The programme will train thousands of students and push for patentable discoveries and high-impact publications. It's all part of making India a global leader in biomedical innovation by 2047.

Key Points: BRCP Phase-III Bridges Regional Gaps Boosts Women Scientists

  • Rs 1,500 crore programme with DBT contributing Rs 1,000 crore and Wellcome Trust Rs 500 crore
  • Targets training over 2,000 students and post-doctoral fellows
  • Provides 10-15% additional support specifically for women scientists
  • Aims for 25-30% collaborative programmes to reach Technology Readiness Level 4
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Biomedical Research Career Programme to bridge regional disparities, promote women scientists: Govt

Rs 1,500 crore Biomedical Research Career Programme to train 2,000+ scientists with 10-15% extra support for women, advancing India's healthcare innovation

"BRCP Phase-III aims to bridge regional disparities and promote inclusivity -- especially for women scientists - Official Statement"

New Delhi, Oct 9

The recently launched phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) will help bridge regional disparities and promote women scientists in the country, the government said on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Phase III of the BRCP, to be implemented during 2025-26 to 2030-31, with an extended service phase up to 2037-38, was approved by the Union Cabinet.

"BRCP Phase-III aims to bridge regional disparities and promote inclusivity -- especially for women scientists," according to an official statement.

The programme supports scientists at different stages of their careers through fellowships and collaborative grants, encouraging high-quality, ethical research to tackle key public health challenges in India.

The Phase-III will be implemented with a total outlay of Rs 1,500 crore. Of this, the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology will contribute Rs 1,000 crore, while the Wellcome Trust (UK) will contribute Rs 500 crore.

“Phase-III is expected to set new benchmarks for biomedical excellence in India,” according to an official statement.

The Phase III of BRCP will train over 2,000 students and post-doctoral students fellows, enable high-impact publications, generate patentable discoveries, and push 25-30 per cent of collaborative programmes to Technology Readiness Level (TRL-4).

In addition, “the programme will also provide a 10-15 per cent increase in support to women scientists, encouraging greater inclusivity in India’s research ecosystem,” the statement said.

“The initiative is directly aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning India as a global hub for biomedical innovation and translational research,” it added.

The BRCP will nurture top scientific talent, advance interdisciplinary and translational research, and strengthen research ecosystems.

Biomedical research in India has previously contributed to the development of low-cost diagnostics like CRISPR-based kits and dengue rapid tests, indigenous vaccines for pneumonia, measles-rubella, and Covid-19.

"These efforts are making healthcare more accessible, equitable, and self-reliant, and positioning India as a global leader in biomedical innovation," the statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
₹1,500 crore is a significant investment. Hope this actually reaches scientists in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, not just the usual IITs and metros. The regional disparity in research funding is real.
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Ananya R
Training 2,000+ students and post-docs is ambitious! But I hope they focus on quality mentorship and proper career pathways. Many research programs create temporary positions without long-term stability.
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David E
The collaboration with Wellcome Trust is smart - brings international expertise while keeping Indian priorities central. India's biomedical research has huge potential, especially in affordable healthcare solutions.
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Shreya B
Great initiative! But implementation is key. Hope they have transparent selection processes and proper monitoring. We've seen many schemes fail due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of accountability.
K
Karthik V
Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision is strategic. India becoming a global biomedical hub would create so many opportunities for our youth. The patentable discoveries target is particularly exciting! 🚀

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