Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR) was established in March 1991 as part of Centenary celebrations of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and its foundation stone was laid by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Sh. Chander Shekhar Ji on 31 st March 1991.The mandate of the Centre is postgraduate education and research in Biomedical Sciences. The Center also has provision for postdoctoral training for young scientists at the start of their research career to gain the skills and insights required in their chosen fields.

The University of Delhi finalized the Ordinance relating to ACBR, and after its approval by the Hon'ble Visitor President of India in 1997, the Center became a University Maintained Institute. The Center expanded and formalized its educational role in post graduate education and research in Biomedical Sciences in 1997 by admitting first batch of Ph.D. students and subsequently starting M.Sc.-Ph.D. & M.Sc. course in 1998.

The ACBR with its interdisciplinary scientific environment, presents a unique amalgamation of basic and applied research in combating diseases – the first of its kind in the Indian University System. The innovative vision of several eminent scientists at the University of Delhi and financial support of the Planning Commission, Government of India, University of Delhi, University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), UNESCO, Polariod Corporation and other agencies led to the establishment and expansion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research.

The Centre's first Governing Body was formed in 1996, and an outstanding scholar, a great institution builder and administrator, Padma Bhushan, Late Prof. Gurbakhsh Singh became the first chairperson. Prof. A.R. Kidwai, presently Governor, Haryana was the second Chairman from the year 1998-2002. Prof. Ranjit Roy Chaudhury, an eminent scientist was the Chairman of the Governing Body of ACBR for the year 2002-2006. Presently Prof. S.K. Tandon, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Delhi University is the Chairman of the Governing Body. Under the able guidance of these eminent scientists and institution builders, the Center continues to make excellent progress in both teaching and research.

Academic Structure

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR) possesses a unique structure having an inter-disciplinary, goal oriented approach with an objective to meet the demanding standards in Biomedical Research. Laboratories, rather than conventional categorical departments, are the fundamental units of the ACBR. Typically headed by a senior faculty, the laboratories may include several other faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and Ph.D. students, who share common scientific interest of the group. This structure provides flexibility and enhances the opportunity for intellectual interaction and collaboration.

The graduate study program is dedicated to educating a small group of students regarded as potential leaders in their scientific fields. Students associate with faculty, research scholars and learn primarily through a combination of courses, discussion groups, tutorial guidance, and training in research laboratories.

The faculty of ACBR and other departments/institutes of University of Delhi and neighboring institutes like IGIB, INMAS and DIPAS collaborate in offering an M.Sc.-Ph.D. program of advanced study and research in Biology and Biomedical Sciences. In addition to the didactic teaching, the ACBR arranges many research colloquia, seminars, lectures by visiting scientists under SURP (Summer Undergraduate Research Program) and other special programs.

The Campus

The ACBR is situated on the north campus of the University of Delhi, which is the Old Vice Regal Lodge. It is 3 Km. from ISBT (Inter States Bus Terminal), 4 Km. from Delhi Railway Station, and 18 Km. from Indira Gandhi International Airport and at a walking distance from Vishwavidyalya Metro Station. There are three buildings of ACBR including Teaching Block, Research Laboratories and Animal Research Facility. These blocks are located in the vicinity of the Vice-Chancellor's - Registrar's Office, other Science Departments, Central Science Library and VP Chest Institute - having 50 bed hospital, which serves as a clinical research centre.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research and its neighboring scientific, medical institutions and other graduate colleges on campus provide a unique academic environment.

Immediate neighbors of University of Delhi are IGIB (Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology) - a laboratory of CSIR dedicated for Biomedical and Genomics Research, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) of DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization), Shri Ram Institute of Industrial Research, Rajan Babu T.B. Hospital and Hindu Rao Hospital. The ACBR also has its own Animal Research Facility, which is duly approved by the Government of India for conducting teaching and research using animal models.

Housing on campus for single student is available in the University Halls/Hostels. For students with family, no campus housing is available rather they rent the accommodation around the campus. There is a dining facility for the faculty and students on the University campus. For visiting faculty accommodation is made available in the University Guest House and International guesthouse.

The ACBR library contains thousands of specialized books in addition to the Central Science Library that has approximately 2 lakh books. The University also has online access to more than 10,000 journals.

Development of ACBR

The excellent environment of Delhi University has nurtured and nourished ACBR to develop into a healthy sapling from a seed in the last decade. Apart from the research activities taken up by the Center, a M.Sc. - Ph.D. combined program in Biomedical Sciences was started in 1998. The admission is based on national entrance examination followed by an interview and group discussion of the short listed candidates. This is distinct and unique from the numerous M.Sc. Biotechnology courses all over the country. Each year we admit 30 students for M.Sc.-Ph.D. Combined Degree Program and around 20 for Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences including direct admission of M.Sc. graduates to Ph.D. program.

The courses conducted under the programme are truly inter-disciplinary and encompasses organic chemistry to medicinal chemistry, drug chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology on one hand, while on the other hand Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Oncology, Physiology, Genetics and Molecular Biology. The students carry out a summer project and a one-semester project during the fourth semester. Apart from our own laboratory research, for both teaching and research, we take advantage of well-equipped national laboratories of CSIR and DRDO through a Memorandum of Understanding. This is an approach that is being contemplated in academic forums as a model for the improvement of research activities at Universities and for effective utilization of national resources and investments.

With an interdisciplinary course of this nature, started for the first time in this University, we developed a library to cater to the needs of the students. Over the last 10 years, we have built up a library with thousands of books covering the entire gamut of courses taught as a part of this program. We have also established a computer facility for the students with 55 computers, with internet connection linked with the university network.

We are indeed proud, of the achievements of our students in the National Tests. On an average over the last 10 years >80% of the students qualify for Junior Research Fellowship based on national level test conducted by different funding agencies. Consequently our students pursue Ph.D. programmes not only at ACBR but also at other premier institutes all over the world. This is a befitting tribute by the students for the dedicated efforts of the teachers at the Center.

The research achievements of an Institution are measured by the publications and the research grants that the scientists can attract. ACBR has grants from various national agencies, including UGC, DBT, CSIR, DST, ICMR and DRDO, as well as international agencies such as UNESCO, SIDA, Polaroid Corporation, USA, HIKMA Phamaceuticals, Jordan. Our faculty members publish papers in both national and international peer reviewed journals. The Center also has special facilities such as Bioinformatics facility (DBT), Animal House, LC/MS/MS facility (FIST Programme, DST).

The spirit of science and the zeal for excellent research are kept alive by several national and international symposia and special lectures organized at the Center. Eminent scientists like Prof. A.R. Katritzky, FRS; Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS; Prof. M.M. Sharma, FRS; Prof. Sukhdev, FRS; Dr. Sandip K. Basu, FNA; Dr. P.M. Bhargava, FNA; Prof. G. Padmanabhan, FNA, Prof. S.K. Brahmachari, FNA and others have inspired our students through their brilliant deliberations.

The Faculty

ACBR has core faculty in areas of Chemistry and Biology, thus facilitating research and teaching in interdisciplinary areas for training in Biomedical Sciences. The areas of research pursued by the faculty encompaases molecular pathology of infectious diseases, Molecular Oncology, Gene Regulation, Molecular Genetics, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Product Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Drug Design through computer based tools and their validation, Bioinformatics as primer for experimental analysis and immunology of infectious disease The research currently underway in each of the laboratories at ACBR is outlined under the faculty profile in subsequent pages. Over years, scientists associated with this Center have achieved national and international acclaim through publications and awards. Several young faculty, Dr. Anju Katyal, Dr. Manisha Tiwari, Dr. Vibha Tandon, Dr. Anita Talwar have received the “Young Scientist Resea rch Award” of the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India for their research work. This apart the scientists at ACBR are recipients of INSA-Royal Society fellowship, INSA visiting fellowship, DBT overseas fellowship, INSA young scientist award. The faculty at ACBR have several patents granted as well as filed on new molecules of therapeutic potential and diagnostic tools for infectious diseases both in India, UK, USA, Europe and several other countries .

The founders of the Center evolved a novel approach to teaching using the knowledge resources available not only at other Departments of the University but also the National laboratories and teaching Medical Institutes in Delhi. Under the course, seminars and lectures by scientists from National laboratories and Medical institutes are conducted periodically on specialized topics as a part of the course. This has led to the effective utilization of National resources and the students get an exposure to the research focus of the National institutes, which in turn facilitates the informed choice to students for the areas of research and also institutions where they could pursue their Ph.D. programme. The Center is fortunate to have the association and advice of eminent scientists like Prof. Sukh Dev, Prof. P.S. Murthy Prof. S.K. Brahmachari(FNA), Prof. G.P. Talwar, Prof. Indra Nath, Prof. V.S. Chauhan, (Late) Prof. G.B.V.Subramaniam and Prof. V.K. Aluwalia. It is matter of pride to ACBR that several scientists of Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (DRDO), Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DRDO), Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Ranbaxy Research Laboratories(CSIR), V.P. Chest Institute (DU), G B Pant Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, Lady Harding Medical College, Jamia Hamdard as well as other Departments of Delhi University i.e. Zoology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Computer Science, V.P. Chest Institute and Microbiology are also supporting academic activities pursued at ACBR.

For the postgraduate and research students at ACBR, the laboratory is the principal site of learning. The expansion of ACBR's scientific program gives students access to an unprecedented range of faculty expertise and research opportunities.

Many senior and junior faculty/ scientific staff from Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB-CSIR), Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and V.P. Chest Institute (VPCI) are integrated into the teaching of scientific activities of the ACBR. IGIB, INMAS, DIPAS and VPCI has facilitated the development of research facilities which are shared between the institutes and are available to graduate fellows and summer undergraduate research fellows from all the collaborating institutions. Full description of the work in each laboratory together with up dated bibliographies can be found at the respective websites for IGIB (www.igib.res.in), DIPAS, INMAS and ACBR (http://www.acbrdu.edu).

Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), a constituent laboratory of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research had also signed a MOU in 1998 for conducting joint academic programs viz. Integrated MSc-PhD, MSc, MPhil and PhD Programs, as well as collaborative research.

With its beginnings in preparative biochemistry for isolation of fine biochemicals from natural resources viz., proteins, lipids, enzymes, synthesis of bioorganic compounds like peptides, oligonucleotides and preparing reagents required for recombinant-DNA research, the current focus of IGIB is the new and upcoming field of Genomics. As biochemical technology enters the genomics era, the Centre has transformed into a network laboratory with a large number of collaborations with clinicians in major hospitals and other research institutes, leading to the formation of a virtual institute of new biology.

IGIB's research areas include Allergy and Infectious Disease, Genomics and Molecular Medicine, Nucleic Acids and Peptides, Genome Informatics, Proteomics and Structural Biology, Comparative Genomics and Gene Expression, Environment Biotechnology, and Bioactive Molecules. Scientists from IGIB provide Consultancy and Technical Services to other research institutes and industry. In addition, IGIB has also upgraded its Biochemicals sales facility by setting up a National Facility for Biochemicals & Genomic Resources.

Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research have signed a MOU for conducting collaborative research and academic activities in 1998.

INMAS, an apex National Institute under the auspices of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is located close to the University of Delhi and ACBR. The institute, led by a distinguished Biomedical Scientist Dr. R.P. Tripathi, is actively involved in the academic program of ACBR and participating in the M.Sc. and M.Sc.-Ph.D. Programs of the Center.

Created initially as a center for the application of Radioisotope Technology in Medicine, INMAS has been a pioneer in the management of Thyroid disorders. Besides the thyroid clinic and diagnostic facility, a full-fledged endocrine center is in the offing.

The institute has special expertise in the fields of Radiation Biology, Biocybernetics, Radiopharmaceuticals, Health Physics, Radiation safety and dosimetry, Thyriodology, Radiological Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Non-invasive cardiology, Dental Sciences and certain areas of Biomedical Technology. INMAS is well equipped with “State of the Art” technology to support research in certain aspects of Biomedical Sciences that include MRI, CT, SPECT, Ultrasonography, Mammography, Gamma Camera, Flow cytometer, Time Resolved Spectrofluorimeter. Recently PET facility and NMR facility has also been added.

The institute offers informal training in the field of Biosciences leading to Ph.D degree in collaboration with Universities and a full time Diploma in Radiation Medicine course. In addition, training is being imparted to medical personnel in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology.

The institute has made significant contributions in advancing the knowledge, leading to the improvement in Radiotherapy as well as Photodynamic therapy of cancer. INMAS has developed a variety of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic investigations and clinical research, which are currently in use at many centers in the country. The current focus of research is directed towards the development of Biomedical approaches for radioprotection and Non-invasive imaging technology, besides evolving new methods for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.

Defence Institute of Physiological and Allied Sciences and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research have formalized a MOU for conducting collaborative research and academic activities. Dr. G. Ilavazhagan, Scientist ‘G' Director, DIPAS has taken keen interest in R&D collaborations and teaching of the Center.

Research in physiology as applied to Armed Forces was first initiated in the year 1950 through a small group in the then Defence Science Laboratory, Delhi. In the wake of Chinese aggression, the thrust was shifted to the grey area of high altitude physiology, psychology, nutrition and biochemistry. With the increased quantum of investigations, a full-fledged laboratory, Defence Institute of physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) was established at Madras in the year 1962.

Over the years it has contributed extensively in solving the problems faced by Defence personnel at high altitude, hot desert conditions, in warships, tanks and aircraft cockpit resulting in better performance. Studies in the areas of noise and vibration led to a safer and comfortable working environment. The area of research focus includes micronutrients and adoptogens for defence forces, and also Contraceptive development eg ‘Concept' based on Neem. The institute is engaged in appropriate investigations in the fields of anthropometry in effecting suitable design of clothing and protective ensembles and physiological evaluation of the same in simulated environments. The Institute is well equipped with advanced versions of instruments, simulation chambers of environments and documentation facilities along with a blend of young and highly experienced scientific staff. Besides this focus of research on Armed Forces problems the Institute always looks forward to promote the spin off benefit to the society at large.

The institute has the privilege of having conducted collaborative projects with the erstwhile USSR in Polar Physiology and participates in physiological research studies in the country's Antarctic programs. Further, the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine has also evinced keen interest for collaborative studies in the fields of physiology, nutrition and biochemistry. The institute is recognized by many universities for Ph.D. programs. In the field of Physiology and allied sciences the Institute holds leading role in the Armed Forces and the nation as whole and is so recognized by the international scientific originations in these fields. The following departments/groups form the Organizational set up of the Institute: High Altitude Physiology, Thermal Physiology, Human Performance Laboratory, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Audiosonics & Vibration Laboratory, Human Engineering & Ergonomics, Radio Biology, Endocrinology, Reproduction, Psychophysiology and Biostatistics make the major departments/ Laboratories of the Institute other than resource generation and support services including Exhibition, Administration, Material Management etc.

The Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) is a unique research institution devoted to the study of and to training postgraduates in chest diseases in India. Besides, it also provides specialized clinical and laboratory reference diagnostic and treatment services. It is ideally located in the Delhi University main campus, providing the requisite academic environment in which a wide range of scientific facilities is available in various departments along with an excellent Central Science Library. Ever since its inception, the main objective of VPCI has been to conduct research on fundamental and clinical aspects of chest diseases, to develop new diagnostic technology and disseminate it to other institutes in the country. The training of postgraduates in tuberculosis and respiratory diseases and allied subjects is another important objective of VPCI. Additionally, specialized clinical and laboratory referral diagnostic services are also provided.