The Government of India has launched Phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) with a total outlay of Rs. 1,500 crore, including Rs. 1,000 crore from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Rs. 500 crore from the Wellcome Trust, UK, to strengthen India's biomedical research ecosystem and nurture the next generation of scientific leaders.

The programme was launched by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, at an event organised by the DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance.

The launch was attended by Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Director General, BRIC; Prof. Dame Fiona Powrie, Deputy Chair, Board of Governors, Wellcome Trust; Dr Apurva Sarin, CEO, DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance; senior scientists, institutional leaders and nearly 80 BRCP awardees.

Launching the programme, Dr Jitendra Singh said, "Biotechnology is set to become the defining force behind India's next phase of economic growth, scientific advancement and global competitiveness. India is no longer merely a participant but is emerging as a global leader in the biotechnology revolution.”

Dr Singh described BRCP as much more than a fellowship programme, calling it one of India's most respected scientific career platforms. "Over the past eighteen years, the programme has evolved into a prestigious institution that has strengthened researchers not only through financial support but also by enhancing their scientific credentials, international visibility and professional opportunities," he said.

The Minister called for greater participation from philanthropic organisations and industry, noting that while India has abundant scientific talent, sustained investments are critical for translating research into technologies, diagnostics and affordable healthcare solutions.

Phase-III of BRCP will continue supporting fellowships and research grants while expanding opportunities for basic scientists, clinician-researchers, public health experts, science communicators and research managers. The programme will place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative research while attracting new international and philanthropic partnerships.

Prof. Dame Fiona Powrie, Deputy Chair of the Wellcome Trust Board of Governors said Phase-III would focus more strongly on interdisciplinary and team-based research capable of translating scientific discoveries into practical healthcare applications while continuing to support hundreds of researchers and train thousands of young scientists contributing to globally recognised institutions.

Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Director General, BRIC, said BRCP has emerged as one of DBT's flagship international collaborations since its inception in 2008, playing a transformative role in developing scientific leadership and strengthening India's biomedical research ecosystem.

Since its launch in 2008, the Biomedical Research Career Programme has supported more than 500 researchers, strengthened biomedical research across over 200 institutions, trained thousands of students and early-career scientists, and contributed significantly to globally recognised biomedical research. The newly launched Phase-III aims to further accelerate translational research, foster innovation, and strengthen India's global leadership in biomedical science.