INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL BIOLOGY, CALCUTTA

The Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB) was established in 1935 as the first non-official centre in India to carry out basic biomedical research. It was taken over by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 1956. Set up with a mission to solve health problems in India, the institute is now engaged in research on diseases of national importance and some biological problems of global interest. It has been conducting studies on metabolic diseases such as asthma, allergy, gastric ulcer and diabetes; cancer research — especially on blood and prostate cancers; development of vaccines and diagnostics; and infectious diseases. Special thrust is given on exploring chemicals with potential medicinal values from natural sources and study of chemically synthesised new molecules as potential drugs.

The IICB offers research opportunities to those with postgraduation in chemistry or biology. One should qualify either the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the CSIR and University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) to join as research fellow. NET qualified students receive fellowships directly from the CSIR or UGC. They are also eligible for contingency grants. “GATE-qualified students participate in extramural (intra-institute) research projects,” says Dr Tanmoy Mukherjee, scientist in-charge, publication and information. Students can also register for PhD after joining the institute. “Most of the students opt for Jadavpur University, while a few choose other universities for PhD,” adds Mukherjee.

There is also scope for working as project assistant in the projects of the institute. One should have a first class in postgraduation to apply as project assistant. Shortlisted applicants are called for an interview. Depending on the progress of work, project assistants may opt for PhD with permission from the director, says Mukherjee.

Research fellows have to complete their coursework before registering for PhD. The coursework includes subjects of chemistry and biology. “Students from a chemistry background should take the course on biology and vice-versa,” says Mukherjee. This holds good for project assistants as well. “Coursework is a must for those who wish to go for PhD programmes,” he adds.

Fellowships are given to project fellows according to the CSIR rules. Project assistants get fellowships according to the plan. The duration of the fellowship is usually five years.

The institute arranges summer training for postgraduate students. The duration of the training is three months. “That may be extended by one month or so. “But we do not entertain trainees who want to work in the laboratory for a shorter period,” says Dr Sumantra Das, head of the cell biology and physiology division. In 2008, the institute hosted more than 100 trainees who came from different parts of the country.

There are six major research divisions in the IICB. The cell biology and physiology division deals with systems and cell biology, investigating subcellular organelles and intracellular signalling events in normal physiology and in disease. Focus is on neurological diseases, reproductive physiology and control of reproduction, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetes and some metabolic and parasitic diseases.

The chemistry division is involved in the discovery of new molecules from plants and new methods for synthesis of complex molecules. The division is also engaged in drug development and has collaborations with industry. The aim of the molecular and human genetics division is to understand the genetic basis of diseases commonly found in Indian populations.

The infectious diseases and immunology division works on understanding the molecular basis of infectious diseases, including kala-azar and cholera. The drug development and biotechnology division conducts research for improving health and quality of life. The structural biology and bioinformatics division is engaged in the structure-function analysis of large molecules found in living systems.

The institute allows researchers working in other institutes or universities to use its sophisticated instruments for analysis of samples. “Instruments that are most frequently asked for include nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometers and electron microscopes,” says Mukherjee.

Vital Statistics

WHAT IS IT? It is an institute under the CSIR engaged in biomedical research

WHO’S THE BOSS? Siddhartha Roy is the director

WHERE IS IT ? 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Calcutta-700032 Phone : 2473 0492
Fax: 24735197, 24723967 Email: director@iicb.res.in

Source: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)