JULY 15: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge), Dr. Jitendra Singh, visited the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI) on its 16th Foundation Day to review the progress of a landmark initiative: India’s first-of-its-kind Medical Research Centre (MRC). The facility, now nearing completion, aims to advance clinical research infrastructure and capacity, especially in infectious diseases.
Dr. Singh inspected the newly constructed building and assessed its operational readiness. The multi-storeyed Medical Research Centre will host dedicated zones for enteric and respiratory infections, among other key health focus areas. It will also feature a Controlled Human Infection Facility (CHIF), rare in the region, to support cutting-edge research on infectious disease mechanisms, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Addressing the THSTI team, the Minister praised their consistent commitment to translational science—bridging lab discoveries with real-world health solutions. He particularly acknowledged THSTI’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing its work on DNA vaccine trials and vital immunological studies that supported India’s health strategy.
He also highlighted several recent achievements, including:
-
The development of monoclonal antibodies for Nipah virus, a significant scientific contribution from a middle-income nation.
-
THSTI’s recognition by CEPI as the first Pre-clinical Network Lab in Asia, enabling high-risk pathogen research globally.
-
The expansion of India’s largest Experimental Animal Facility, and the creation of Ge-HuMiC—a specialized microbial culture collection for microbiome and infection research.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh noted that the upcoming Translational Research Facility (TRF) will complement the MRC by focusing on vaccines, diagnostics, antibodies, and more—providing collaborative platforms for industry-academia partnerships and Centres of Excellence.
Referencing the recent SYNCH-N 2025 event, he emphasized THSTI’s strength in public-private collaboration, with 18 Letters of Intent and agreements signed, aimed at accelerating healthcare innovation.
As THSTI steps into a new phase, the Medical Research Centre promises to strengthen India’s clinical research framework and reaffirm its global leadership in public health innovation.
, Dr. Jitendra Singh, visited the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI)){kind=link}