14-15 May 2025: India Hosts 31st ICGEB Board of Governors session in New Delhi; Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Nation’s First Biofoundry
New Delhi, May 14, 2025 — The 31st session of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) commenced today in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global scientific collaboration and innovation. The session was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Government of India, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
In a landmark announcement, Dr. Singh virtually inaugurated India’s first publicly funded Biofoundry, a state-of-the-art facility established at ICGEB New Delhi, underscoring India’s commitment to advancing synthetic biology and biotechnology research. The Biofoundry, which the Department of Biotechnology supports is poised to play a crucial role in accelerating the design-build-test-learn cycle in biotechnology, strengthening India’s bioeconomy and scientific infrastructure.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh praised ICGEB’s pivotal role in driving biotechnology education, research, and innovation, particularly in the Global South. “ICGEB has consistently fostered excellence in life sciences, supporting countries in their pursuit of sustainable development through science. With the inauguration of India’s first Biofoundry, we take another step forward to respond to today’s challenges.” He concluded, welcoming the distinguished Governors and Member States: “This is the time and the right time and the location to have a brainstorming of this magnitude.”
The Board of Governors Session, held annually, is ICGEB’s highest decision-making forum. It brings together representatives from the Centre’s 69 Member States to review current operations, evaluate ongoing projects, and chart future directions. The current President of the Board is Dr. Jelena Begović, former Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia.
The ICGEB operates as a unique intergovernmental organization with specialized research centres in New Delhi (India), Trieste (Italy), and Cape Town (South Africa). The Centre is dedicated to cutting-edge research, capacity-building, and technology transfer in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. It plays a vital role in addressing global challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment, particularly in developing nations.
ICGEB New Delhi continues to lead biotechnology research in Asia, bridging the gap between basic science and industrial applications, and contributing significantly to India’s scientific and technological landscape.
