ANNUAL REPORT - Department of Biotechnology

Danforth); others (IHBT & possibly 1-2 more) and (ii)
To support 4-5 projects each in the following group of
viruses, Begomoviruses, Tospoviruses, Ilarviruses
and others. The common recommendations
amongst these are; knowledge of viral genomics,
development of diagnostic tools, exploring the
possibility of DNA chip for detection of various
viruses and viroids, possible refinement in the
certification programme and development of virus
resistant transgenics.
Collaboration with IAVI
Under this effort, four areas were identified viz.
neutralizing antibodies and new antigen design, HIV
genome diversity in India, novel vector development
and protocol G. The coordinators in the respective
areas interacted with the relevant scientists in the
country and developed the pre-proposals in the
structured format. The pre proposals were
scrutinized by the IAVI Board and SAC. It is intended
to initiate collaborative efforts in the areas of
neutralizing antibodies and new antigen design.
Indo-Australia
Department of Biotechnology and Department of
Education Science & Technology, Government of
Australia have signed Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in the area of
Biotechnology. An Indo-Australian fund for Science
& Technology cooperation in biotechnology has
been established with the Australian Government
providing approximately AUD 6 million for a period of
3 years. A matching grant is to be made available by
Government of India.
The overall objective of the Indo-Australian
Biotechnology Fund is to develop and support
collaborative research activities which draw upon
complementary science and technology strengths in
India and Australia. The Indo-Australian
Biotechnology Fund will support Indian and
Australian scientists, from both the public and private
sectors, to collaborate on cutting edge science and
technology in order to contribute to the economic,
social and environmental wellbeing of both
countries.
th
The first Call for Proposal was advertised on 25
September 2006 and the priority areas identified
include-Biomedical devices and implants; Stem
cells; Vaccines / medical diagnostics; Transgenic
crops; Nutraceuticals and functional foods; and
Bioremediation.
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There was an overwhelming response to the 1 Call
for Proposals and over 55 projects were received.
These projects have gone through a very stringent
peer review system and based on the expert
comments, the projects are being reviewed further. A
Joint Biotechnology Committee has been constituted
to supervise the programme of cooperation. In
particular, the JBC will discuss and review the
programme of cooperation in light of relevant science
and technology policy and developments in Australia
and India, priority areas with high probability for the
development of successful collaborative projects
and also review the progress of ongoing projects and
funding of new project proposals.
New Bilateral Collaborations :
Indo-Canada
Two Memoranda of Understanding between DBT
and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
National Research Council, (NRC) Canada were
signed on December 5, 2006 in presence of the
Hon'ble Minister for Science and Technology and
Earth Sciences, Sh. Kapil Sibal:
The identified priorities for cooperation with AAFC
include:
a) Agriculture and food processing and storage;
b) Bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers;
c) Functional and nutraceutical foods and impact on
human nutrition;
d) Agricultural biotechnology;
e) Biomass utilization;
f) Sustainable alternative energy and
environmental technologies; and
g) Water quality.
The identified priorities for initial collaboration
between DBT and NRC are:
173 International Collaboration