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B4 Program Fellowship: Biosciences and biotechnology
The B4 Program is an innovative initiative to foster progress in the fields of biosciences and biotechnology by building strategic partnerships with leading universities and engaging scientists from India and Harvard University. This visionary program is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Government of Karnataka (GOK), and Harvard University, with the aim of promoting cutting-edge research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Mission of the B4 Program
The program seeks to:
- Facilitate partnerships between leading universities and research institutions in India and the USA.
- Promote capacity building in areas like Genomics, Neurosciences, Synthetic Biology, and Biologics.
- Nurture future leaders in biosciences by investing in people and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for societal benefits.
Program Highlights
1. Collaborative Agreement
- The partnership was formalized through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in December 2015 between the DBT, the Department of ITBT and S&T (GOK), and Harvard University.
- The collaboration involves nodal centers in Boston, USA, and Bengaluru, India, to promote knowledge exchange and innovation.
2. Key Initiatives
- Science and Technology Fellowships:
- One-year fellowships for 5 doctoral or postdoctoral scholars from Karnataka to work in Harvard laboratories.
- The program focuses on equipping scholars with advanced skills and global exposure.
- Interdisciplinary Hands-on Courses:
- A two-week course in Bengaluru, India, designed for young scientists across the country.
- Topics focus on cutting-edge interdisciplinary areas in biosciences and biotechnology.
Key Areas of Focus
The B4 Program emphasizes the following fields:
- Genomics: Understanding the genetic basis of diseases and developing targeted treatments.
- Neurosciences: Investigating brain function and neurological disorders.
- Synthetic Biology: Engineering biological systems for innovative solutions.
- Biologics: Developing advanced therapeutic products from biological sources.
Benefits of the Program
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity Building | Scholars gain advanced training, fostering expertise in biosciences. |
| Global Collaboration | Strengthens ties between India and Harvard through academic and research exchange. |
| Entrepreneurship Support | Encourages innovation and commercialization in biosciences for societal impact. |
| Knowledge Dissemination | Provides access to hands-on training and knowledge sharing among young scientists in India. |
Funding Agency
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
Purpose of the Program
The B4 Program is designed to:
- Build human resource capacity in biosciences.
- Promote high-quality research and innovation.
- Foster a robust ecosystem for biosciences through international collaborations.
How to Participate
Interested candidates can apply for:
- Science and Technology Fellowship:
- Doctoral or postdoctoral scholars from Karnataka can apply for this one-year program at Harvard.
- Applications are assessed based on academic merit and research potential.
- Hands-on Course in Bengaluru:
- Young scientists from across India can participate in the two-week interdisciplinary course.
- Registration details will be announced on the official platform.
Contact Information
For more details on the program and application guidelines, visit the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) website.
