Biomedical Research: What is the Biomedical Research Career Program? The Cabinet has approved Phase 3 of the program, providing fellowships worth ₹1,500 crore..

There's good news for professionals, youth, and students working or aspiring to work in the biomedical research sector. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Phase 3 of the Biomedical Research Career Program (BRCP) on Wednesday. This paves the way for a fellowship worth ₹1,500 crore.

In this context, let's explore what the BRCP is. When did it begin? What kind of research scholarships are awarded under it? Let's try to understand these aspects in detail.

What is the BRC Program?
The Biomedical Research Career Program is jointly run by the Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India and the Wellcome Trust India Alliance of the United Kingdom. The primary objective of this program is to promote innovative research in the biotechnology sector and encourage professionals, i.e., scientists. This fellowship is awarded at the postdoctoral level. Final-year PhD students can apply. There is no age limit.

Launched in 2008
The Biomedical Research Career Program was launched in 2008-09. Phase 1 was initiated following approval from the Union Cabinet. Since then, India-based research fellowships have been awarded for biomedical research at world-class standards. The second phase began in 2018/19.

What is the purpose of the third phase?
The Department of Biotechnology is launching the third phase of the Biomedical Research Career Program to promote skills and innovation in line with the vision of a developed India. The Cabinet has approved the proposal. The third phase aims to encourage top scientific talent engaged in biomedical research, promote interdisciplinary research, develop biomedical research capacity with global impact, and reduce regional disparities in scientific capacity.

According to information available in the PIB, the third phase of the program will provide fellowships to scientists starting their careers and pursuing intermediate research in basic, clinical, and public health fields. Fellowships will also be provided to scientists conducting collaborative research. Research management programs, national and international partnership programs, will also be implemented in the third phase. The goal of Phase 3 is to train over 2,000 students and postdoctoral fellows in the desired outcomes.

Fellowships worth ₹1500 crore
Under the third phase of the Biomedical Research Career Program, fellowships worth ₹1500 crore will be awarded. These fellowships will be awarded from 2025-26 to 2030-31 and for the next six years, from 2031-32 to 2037-38. The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and the UK and SPV, India Alliance, will contribute ₹1,000 crore and ₹500 crore, respectively. A fellowship of up to ₹1 million is awarded to a candidate until Phase 2.

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