Thiruvananthapuram, April 16 (IANS) In a key leadership transition at one of India’s premier biotechnology institutions, the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) has appointed noted scientist Dr Beena Pillai as its new Director.

The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet, is for a five-year term.

Functioning under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council of the Department of Biotechnology, BRIC-RGCB plays a crucial national role in advancing research in disease biology, translational sciences, and technology development.

The institute has been at the forefront of efforts to bridge fundamental research with clinical and industrial applications, making the leadership change significant for India’s broader biotechnology ambitions.

Dr Pillai succeeds Prof Chandrabhas Narayana, who completed his tenure in September last year, and takes charge at a time when the institute is poised for expansion into high-impact areas.

Currently a Chief Scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Dr Pillai is internationally recognised for her work in RNA biology and neuronal development.

Her research has focused on the role of RNA in early development, neurogenesis, behaviour, and disease susceptibility, including the identification of microRNA markers in human diseases.

A native of Kalady, she completed her B.Sc from Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai, and pursued an integrated MS-PhD at the Indian Institute of Science.

She later joined CSIR-IGIB, where she established a strong research programme in genomics and molecular biology.

Her scientific contributions have been recognised with several awards, including the National Bioscience Award, the INSA Young Scientist Award, and the CSIR Young Scientist Award in Biological Sciences.

Under her leadership, BRIC-RGCB is expected to accelerate key national initiatives, including the development of a cGMP-compliant facility, a bio-manufacturing hub, and an oncology referral hospital.

The appointment is widely seen as a step towards strengthening India’s research-to-innovation pipeline, with the RGCB scientific community expressing confidence in a renewed push for cutting-edge science.

–IANS

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