Life Sciences Research Board

Life Sciences Research Board (LSRB) was established by DRDO as a registered society in March 1998. LSRB is an autonomous body to encourage inter-institutional research involving DRDO laboratories, academic institutions, national laboratories, both in Government and private and industry, on a consortium mode utilising the available talent for solving intricate, multifaceted problems faced by the Defence personnel. LSRB is headed by eminent scientist Dr G Padmanabhan, Emeritus Scientist, Honorary Professor and former Director, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is being advised by peers in different disciplines of life sciences.

The purpose of LSRB is essentially to expand and deepen the knowledge base of life sciences in the country through strengthening and use of national resources of knowledge, know-how, experience, facilities and infrastructure. LSRB also endeavors to create conditions suitable for attracting talent and experience from overseas locations through research collaborations and other academic exchanges. Basic research 1 projects covering different areas of life sciences.  viz. , biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, physiology, bioengineering, biotechnology, specialised high altitude agriculture, and food science and technology are supported by LSRB. To achieve the above objectives, LSRB has instituted a Grants-in-Aid Scheme to nurture the available research talent in IITs, universities, medical and life science institutions, and other research centres, including industry in the country for promoting research and development programmes in life sciences and allied fields. Under this Scheme, grants are offered to approved research institutions, universities or colleges, departments or laboratories or scientists of eminence attached to reputed industrial firms with R&D facilities, both in the Government and non-Government sectors. Project proposals are peer-reviewed by four expert panels before their consideration for support by the Board. These four panels are on: (i) Infectious Diseases (ii) Environmental Physiology and Behaviour, (iii) Food Sciences and Bioresources, and (iv) Bioengineering, Bioremediation and Biotechnology. Each panel is chaired by renowned scientist in the subject and assisted by known specialist in the area.

LSRB has supported 19 projects in the fields of edible rabies vaccine, drug release system, molecular genetics of haematological disorders, sleep and thermoregulation, vegetable crops for high altitudes, biodegradable hydrogel for controlled drug release for the treatment of osteomyelitis, synthesis of recombinant human sodium/iodine symoporter (hNIS), bone marrow cryopreservation, development of transgenic tomatoes with enhanced tolerance to salinity stress, inhibition of translation of Hepatitis 'C' virus, Potential diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of tumour angiogenesis, growth factors receptors, cellular, adhesion molecules, and tumour infiltrating immunomodulatory cells in thyroid neoplasms, etc. at nine research institutes since 1998. Some of the projects have reached to their final fruition. LSRB also supports i conduct of seminars/symposia/presentations, etc as per requirement of the project. Proposals in this regard , are submitted by the Principal Investigator in the prescribed form. Innovative ideas and proposals from non DRDO scientists are encouraged.

For further information please contact:
Dr Brahma Singh
Director of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Secretary, LSRB
DRDO HQrs, 'B' Wing,
Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-11 0011
Phone :011-3015398;
E mail: dfas@hotmail.com.

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