Marine
biology is a
big opportunity
area besides the
treasure trove of
traditional plants
in Himalayas. We
need to rework on
Biodiversity Act
and I am hopeful it
will happen soon.
The process is on.
Dr K
VijayRaghavan,
Secretary, DBT
The Department of
Biotechnology’s Secretary,
Dr K VijayRaghavan
believes that the ball has
been set rolling and India
is slowly making strides
towards being a global
biotech hub. “Climate
change is a big challenge
and an opportunity.
We must devise ways
to tap the potential
through research.
Also, at academic level,
we must ensure that
research institutes have
institutional norms like
the way IITs have. Need
to change our thinking.”
Giving a sneak peek on
India’s global initiatives,
Dr Raghavan mentioned,
“CEPI, Coalition for
Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations, is a “public-
private coalition where
we are trying to contain
potential epidemics by
speeding development
of vaccines. Also, an
initiative in genomics
will be announced
shortly. Dr Renu Swarup
led consortia is in talks
with World Bank for a
partnership to promote
research in key areas for
next five years. We are
sure of great outcomes.”
He further mentioned
about the opportunity
areas he thinks must be
tapped. “Marine biology
is a big opportunity area
besides the treasure trove
of traditional plants in
Himalayas. We need to
rework on Biodiversity
Act and I am hopeful
it will happen soon.
The process is on.”
Sharing his perspective,
Mr Ramesh Abhishek,
Secretary, Department
of Industrial Policy
and Promotion (DIPP)
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