Pune BioCluster to be inaugurated on August 23

PUNE: The Pune Biotechnology Cluster will be inaugurated by Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, on August 23 at National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) auditorium - 'Gargi'.

The establishment of bioclusters is a key component of the Parliament-approved 12th Plan. Bioclusters, by definition, are multi-institutional ventures attempting to build research and development ecosystems by combining available expertise and facilities to promote efficient usage and productivity. The participating institutions are chosen on the basis of their expertise and competence to develop effective bioclusters.

The Pune Biotechnology Cluster, "Model Organisms to Human Disease", is spearheaded by the NCCS and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, and funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), ministry of Science and Technology.

"The aim of this project is to develop state-of-the-art technology platforms that will catalyse synergistic inter-institutional and academia-industry interactions to facilitate larger scientific pursuits, especially in research areas addressing human disease biology. It was formulated with the goal of facilitating and integrating the high-quality research being carried out at various institutions in and around Pune, and also aspires to help synergize research and teaching activities, to support clinicians involved in biomedical research, and to lend a helping hand to biotechnology start-ups," said sources from NCCS.