All these years we did hypothesis driven research. But with concepts in big data what we call fourth paradigm, you start looking for answers from the data, which is already available. You start analyzing the data in a systemic way and many discoveries happen.
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and overcoming biotic / abiotic stress. On the other hand, health science or molecular medicine covers areas like malaria, dengue and other vaccines. Couple of scientists are working in the tuberculosis area as well. Diverse aspects are covered including discovery, identification of drug targets and vaccine candidates and search for natural products as potential drugs. There is continuity in what we have been doing yet the focus has been made sharper. Integrative biology has been carved out to include structural biology and bioenergy areas. Five years ago, DBT funded three bioenergy centres including one at ICGEB and a large team is focusing in this area. There exists strong emphasis on development of technologies towards biofuel as well as understanding basic cellular mechanisms using interdisciplinary approaches.
As the Director of ICGEB, the first year was spent on consolidating the restructuring of the Centre, in my second year, we will focus on new recruitments. Since many senior colleagues have retired, there are deficit areas of expertize. Non-infectious disease areas will also get our attention. We are trying to develop some integrated programmes involving many researches pooling our strengths. My role is to make this happen.
The existing scientific talent at ICGEB is the most positive factor. Most of my colleagues have been there for many years and have established their credentials. A few scientists who retired earlier are still involved as emeritus scientists. Hence, there is continuity with the past.
All these years we did hypothesis driven research. But with concepts in big data what we call fourth paradigm, you start looking for answers from the data, which is already available. You start analyzing the data in a systemic way and many discoveries happen. We will focus on such new ways of doing research as well.
Q: Any efforts towards new collaborations either within academia or industry?
We are trying to develop new research programme where collaborative model could be best utilized. National Institute of Plant Genome Research( NIPGR) and National Institute of Immunology( NII) are our
All these years we did hypothesis driven research. But with concepts in big data what we call fourth paradigm, you start looking for answers from the data, which is already available. You start analyzing the data in a systemic way and many discoveries happen.
close door neighbors. Since I have worked at NII in the past, I understand the areas where the tie-ups can do wonders. We are trying to build the partnerships with these institutions in some loosely linked cluster mode.
Q: Has this already been initiated? Any commitment from DBT on funds?
This is a good point. My experience is that DBT always funds good ideas. Whenever we have good idea, getting funds is not a concern. With combining strengths of three institutions, coming up with good projects should not be an issue.
Q: Lot many institute directors generally complain about lack of funds. Do you also agree that funds are a concern?
I am perhaps an odd man out. I would say we should put enough efforts to get funds. We must define the direction. I am persuasive which is what is required to be done to get the funding. As a Director, I must coordinate with funding agencies and not complain. DBT is one of the major funding agency and we have been hugely benefitted by it. However, we need to get industry and international partners as well. Persuading industry is our job but it might not materialize always. All our efforts might not result in funding but we should try.
When I joined ICGEB, the Centre had gone through financially difficult time for a couple of years. During these difficult times, practically every scientist at ICGEB focused seriously on extramural research grants. I was pleasantly surprised to see they all were capable of attracting their own funds. Of course, we have to enrich the existing core funding and
12 BioVoiceNews | February 2017