ACBR - Delhi University

Science at the center

The ACBR is devoted mainly to basic scientific investigations and research. The concept and technique of modern science have made it possible to focus much of its research at the Cellular and Molecular level, in order to investigate the fundamental process of life. Biomedical Research is not solely biology or chemistry research, rather, all basic Science disciplines are parts of a modern research program aimed at understanding the living system; clinical research, though, is the central component, is not being carried out at the Center for the time being.

The University of Delhi continues to be a pioneer in bringing such diverse areas together on common grounds, and ACBR is unique in its commitment to interdisciplinary investigations. While the scientific research at the ACBR may be grouped as follows, it does not constitute official departments. Each laboratory is independent and pursues its independent objectives.

Scope of Research

To the general public, the ACBR is perhaps best known for work on problems of such immediate practical importance as human infections, metabolic diseases and cancer etc. Most of the ACBR's activities have been directed toward basic research, mainly in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Today these studies, on the most exciting frontiers in the sciences, include the biochemistry of the cell, the functions and diseases of the brain and nervous system, the biology and evolution of parasites, biology of viruses, the behavior of organisms in social settings, and the causes of degenerative disease.

Conducted by a faculty of distinguished senior scientists, the research program offers unique educational opportunities for promising postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows. About a dozen postdoctoral, 63 Ph.D. students, 60 M.Sc. - Ph.D. degree students and more than 70 faculty members (belonging to ACBR, CBT, INMAS, DIPAS, VPCI and others) constitute the professional research staff. In addition two Noble Laureates, several Fellows of the Royal Society, U.K. and Indian National Science Academy, Bhatnagar Laureates, other eminent scientists are serving the ACBR as Visiting Professors and providing their guidance to the students.

In 1998, the Center for Biochemical Technology (CBT) of CSIR, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) and Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) of DRDO announced a collaboration with ACBR, which resulted in the signing of an MoU, that will support the biomedical research initiatives at ACBR and expand the Institute's activities. The program includes the construction of modern facilities at ACBR, joint research projects, participation in teaching and support services.

The Faculty

ACBR's faculty is actively engaged in the kind of research that will contribute greatly to "Mankind''. The faculty members aim to create new fields, opening new areas of study, solving difficult problems, and establishing new ways of looking at science. Over the last 5 years, scientists associated with this center have achieved international acclaim for their research work. The faculty of ACBR is recipient of "The Award of Highest Honour of Soka University, Japan" of year 2000, Integrated Medicine for New Millenium Award (IMNM-99). The Rockefeller Foundation, USA - Biotechnology Career Award, Fulbright Scholarship, UGC Career award, UGC Research Scientist Award, Indo - US Award and Fellowship of the Royal Society, London, International Academy of Physical Sciences. Several scientists at ACBR (Dr. Ritu Aneja, Dr. Anju Katyal, Dr. Manisha Tiwari, Dr. Vibha Tandon, Dr. Anita Talwar) have been awarded a "Young Scientist Research Award" of the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.

The ACBR faculty includes eminent scientists from all over the World as Honorary/Visiting Professors and Visiting Fellows. The Visiting Professors are Nobel Laureates Prof. Robert B. Merrifield, Prof. Har Gobind Khorana and Prof. Alan R. Katritzky (FRS), who have agreed to provide their expertise and guidance for the development of science at ACBR.

Several scientists of CSIR-Center for Biochemical Technology; DRDO-Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Institue of Physiology and Allied Sciences; and Ranbaxy Research Laboratories presently participating in the teaching and research programs.

Faculty member of sister institutions viz, V P Chest Institute, IARI, Pusa, G B Pant Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, Lady Harding Medical College, Jamia Hamdard as well as other Departments of Delhi University ie. Zoology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Computer Science, Microbiology are also supporting academic activities pursued at ACBR.