Odisha Launches Biotechnology Fellowship and Research Infrastructure Initiative
Odisha introduces a biotechnology research fellowship offering Rs 30,000 monthly to 20 PhD scholars annually, while the state budget approves establishment of dedicated biotechnology research centers and an innovation mission.
The science and technology department has invited applications for the Odisha Biotechnology Research and Innovation Fellowship, with a deadline of March 5. The fellowship aims to promote advanced research in frontier areas of biotechnology and allied life sciences, provide fellowships to meritorious students, and build a skilled human resource base in biotechnology for academic, industry, and societal applications.
Every year, 20 PhD students will receive the fellowship. Selected fellows will receive Rs 30,000 per month for three years, along with a contingency grant of Rs 50,000 per annum. The selection committee will assess candidates on career marks (50) and presentation and personal interview (50), making a total of 100 marks.
Applications are invited from students with MSc or MTech in biotechnology or allied sciences, securing first division or an equivalent grade from any recognised university or college or institution, or those holding 4-year undergraduate degrees as per the New Education Policy (NEP)-2020, to pursue higher studies leading to a PhD degree in biotechnology and allied sciences. The applicant must be a domicile of Odisha. The fellowship is available only to registered full-time PhD candidates enrolled in any government university or college of the state or any state or central government institute established in the state.
Applications must be duly forwarded by the head of the institute along with all relevant documents. Submissions are required both by email and by post before the March 5 deadline. The progress and performance of the project may be evaluated by the project evaluation and review committee during the project tenure, as and when required.
The state budget has cleared the establishment of an Odisha Biotechnology Research Centre to drive high-end biotech research, patents, technology transfer and industry growth. The centre will house high-end research facilities aimed at delivering societal impact and solving real-world problems. The centre will boost the state's knowledge-driven bio-economy and reinforce Odisha's emergence as a competitive biotechnology destination.
The budget also proposes a dedicated Odisha Pharma and Biotech Research and Innovation Centre to support oncology research, biologics development, herbal drug standardisation, advanced therapy products, medical device innovation and industry-academia collaboration. The centre will promote advanced research and industrial growth.
The Odisha State Innovation Mission will be launched soon to build a robust ecosystem that nurtures critical and design thinking skills and entrepreneurship. The mission will strengthen Odisha's presence and improve its ranking in the Global Innovation Index. Innovation will be treated as a key driver of exponential growth and job creation.
An Iconic Science City will be developed over 77 acres in Khurda district as a centre for science, technology and translational innovation of global standards. Designed for immersive experiential learning for all ages, it will include sections for on-site innovation labs. The state will invest about Rs 300 crore for the proposed Science City in the next five years with an amount of Rs 12 crore proposed for 2026-27.