Source: TP
Subject: International Organisation
Context: The inaugural meeting of the BRIC-Research Advisory Board (BRIC-RAB) was held at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad.
About Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC):
What it is?
- BRIC is an Apex Autonomous Body established as a registered Society under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology.
- It was formed by subsuming 14 distinct Autonomous Institutes (AIs) into a single, cohesive entity to centralize research efforts and optimize resource utilization in the biotech sector.
Established In:
- The restructuring was initiated in late 2023, and the operational transition into the current BRIC framework reached its strategic maturity with the constitution of the Research Advisory Board (RAB) in 2026.
Aim: The primary aim of BRIC is to transform India’s fragmented biotechnology research landscape into a decentralized national laboratory.
Functions:
- Guiding and Monitoring Research: The council, through its Research Advisory Board, reviews and monitors the scientific activities of all iBRIC (Integrated BRIC) institutes to ensure they align with national goals.
- Fostering Mission-Mode Programs: It designs and implements ambitious, forward-thinking national missions tailored to grow India’s bioeconomy.
- Resource Optimization: It manages a network of biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries, promoting a culture of shared laboratories and infrastructure to minimize redundancy.
- Developing Sovereign Technologies: BRIC focuses on frugal innovation and design intelligence, utilizing locally sourced materials and indigenous data to reduce dependency on foreign technology.
- Capacity Building: It establishes performance framework matrices for scientists to align their career paths with nation-building goals and creates the biotech leaders of the future.
Significance:
- By subsuming 14 autonomous institutes into one council, it reduces administrative hurdles and creates a unified voice for Indian biotechnology.
- The decentralized national laboratory model allows India to compete with global biotech giants by pooling the niche expertise of various specialized institutes.
