Overview
- is a state-level advanced biotechnology institute established by the Government of Gujarat.
- It functions as a research, diagnostic, and training hub supporting public health, agriculture, environment, and industrial biotechnology.
Institutional Setup
- Operates under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat.
- Designed as a high-throughput molecular biology and genomics centre with biosafety-compliant laboratories.
Core Functions
- Genomic Surveillance
- Whole-genome sequencing of pathogens to track mutations, transmission patterns, and emerging variants.
- Public Health Diagnostics
- Molecular testing support for infectious diseases and outbreak investigations.
- Research and Innovation
- Applied research in genomics, bioinformatics, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics.
- Capacity Building
- Training programs for scientists, technicians, and students in modern biotech tools and techniques.
Key Areas of Work
- Human Health
- Viral and bacterial genomics, antimicrobial resistance studies, epidemic preparedness.
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Plant genomics, disease diagnostics, crop improvement support.
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Microbial diversity studies, environmental surveillance, bioremediation research.
- Industrial and Applied Biotechnology
- Support for biotech startups, translational research, and technology validation.
Infrastructure and Capabilities
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms.
- Bioinformatics and data analytics pipelines.
- Biosafety Level laboratories for handling infectious agents.
- High-performance computing support for genomic data analysis.
Role in Pandemic and Disease Surveillance
- Played a critical role in COVID-19 genomic sequencing in India.
- Contributed significantly to national genomic databases, aiding evidence-based public health decisions.
- Supported early detection of variants and informed containment strategies.
Collaborations
- Works with:
- National research bodies and medical institutions.
- State and central public health agencies.
- Academic institutions and biotechnology startups.
Significance
- Strengthens state-level scientific capacity in advanced biotechnology.
- Enhances early warning systems for infectious diseases.
- Promotes self-reliance in genomics and diagnostics within India.
- Acts as a bridge between research, policy, and on-ground public health action.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre represents a model state-led biotechnology institution, integrating cutting-edge genomic science with public health, agriculture, and environmental governance, thereby contributing to India’s broader biotechnology and biosecurity ecosystem.
