(IGIB) Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology

The Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) is a premier research institute located in Delhi, India. It is one of the 39 institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is dedicated to the study of genomics and integrative biology.

The IGIB was established in 1998 with the aim of conducting progressive research in the areas of genomics, molecular biology, and integrative biology. Since its inception, the institute has made significant contributions to the fields of genomics and integrative biology and has gained recognition as one of the top research institutions in India.

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Research:

The IGIB has a multidisciplinary research program that covers a wide range of areas, including genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology. The institute is home to several pioneering facilities, including high-throughput sequencing and microarray platforms, mass spectrometry, and high-performance computing, which enable researchers to conduct advanced research in these areas.

The research activities of IGIB span several areas of genomics and integrative biology, some of which are listed below:

1. Genomics of Complex Diseases: IGIB focuses on the genomics of complex diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The research in this area involves understanding the genetic basis of these diseases and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
2. Functional Genomics and Epigenomics: IGIB has expertise in functional genomics and epigenomics, which involve the study of the regulation of gene expression. The research in this area aims to understand how genetic information is translated into functional molecules, and how this process is regulated.
3. Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology: IGIB has established a genome engineering facility that focuses on developing novel genome editing technologies. The research in this area also involves synthetic biology, which is the design and construction of new biological systems.
4. Structural Biology and Drug Design: IGIB has state-of-the-art facilities for structural biology and drug design. The research in this area involves the study of the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the design of new drugs based on this information.
5. Agriculture and Plant Genomics: IGIB also has expertise in plant genomics, and the research in this area aims to improve crop productivity and develop sustainable agriculture practices.
6. Microbial Genomics: IGIB is also involved in the study of microbial genomics, which involves understanding the genetic basis of microbial diversity and its role in various biological processes.

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Contribution to India & Science:

One of the key objectives of the IGIB is to use genomics and integrative biology to develop new therapies and diagnostics for various diseases. The institute has made significant contributions in the areas of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, and has developed several new drug targets and biomarkers that are now being used in clinical trials. It has been instrumental in bringing about a revolution in the area of genomics research in the country. 

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Some of the notable contributions made by IGIB include:

1. Genomics research: IGIB has been involved in extensive research in genomics and has contributed to the development of genomics technologies and tools. The institute has worked on decoding the genetic makeup of various organisms, including humans, plants, and microbes.
2. Proteomics research: IGIB has also made significant contributions to proteomics research. The institute has developed several tools and technologies for studying proteins, including mass spectrometry-based techniques.
3. Drug discovery: IGIB has been actively involved in drug discovery research and has collaborated with several pharmaceutical companies in India and abroad. The institute has identified several drug targets and developed new drugs for various diseases.
4. Medical research: IGIB has also made contributions to medical research in India. The institute has developed several diagnostic tests for various diseases, including cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV.
5. IGIB has played a crucial role in advancing the fields of genomics, proteomics, and computational biology in India. The institute has also contributed significantly to the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools, which have helped improve healthcare in the country.

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Programmes offered:

IGIB is primarily a research institute that offers various research programs such as Ph.D., integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D., and postdoctoral fellowships. The research areas at IGIB primarily revolve around genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, systems biology, and computational biology. The institute also undertakes applied research in various areas such as drug discovery, diagnostics, and biotechnology.

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IGIB offers various programs in the field of genomics and integrative biology:

1. PhD program: IGIB offers a PhD program in areas related to genomics, molecular medicine, and bioinformatics. The program duration is generally 4-5 years and includes coursework, research, and thesis submission.
2. Integrated PhD program: IGIB also offers an integrated PhD program, which is a five-year program that combines a Master’s degree and a PhD degree. Students are admitted to the program based on their performance in the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) and subsequent interviews.
3. Postdoctoral fellowships: IGIB offers postdoctoral fellowships to highly qualified and motivated candidates who have completed their PhDs. These fellowships are generally awarded for a period of 2-3 years.
4. Summer training program: IGIB also conducts a summer training program for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in laboratory research.
5. Short-term training: IGIB offers short-term training programs for students and researchers who wish to gain specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of genomics and integrative biology.
6. Workshops and seminars: IGIB regularly organizes workshops, seminars, and conferences on various topics related to genomics and integrative biology. These events provide a platform for researchers and students to exchange ideas and discuss the latest developments in the field.

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Selection procedure:

The selection procedure for the various programs offered by the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) varies depending on the program.

1. For the Ph.D. program, IGIB conducts its own entrance exam called the Joint Graduate Entrance Exam for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS). The exam is usually held in December, and students who have completed or are in the final year of their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any branch of science are eligible to apply. Candidates who qualify for the JGEEBILS exam are then called for an interview at IGIB. The selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the exam as well as the interview.
2. For the Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. program, the selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the JGEEBILS exam as well as an interview conducted by IGIB.
3. For the Post-Doctoral Fellowship program, candidates are selected based on their research proposal and their academic and research background.
4. IGIB also offers summer training programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Selection for these programs is based on the candidate’s academic performance and a written statement of purpose.

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Scholarships and fellowships:

IGIB offers several scholarships and fellowships to deserving candidates pursuing research in various fields of genomics and integrative biology.

Some of the major scholarships and fellowships available at IGIB are:

1. CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): This fellowship is offered to candidates who have cleared the CSIR-NET or GATE exam and wish to pursue research in the field of life sciences. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of INR 31,000 for the first two years, which is increased to INR 35,000 for the next three years.
2. DBT Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): This fellowship is offered to candidates who have cleared the DBT-JRF exam and wish to pursue research in the field of biotechnology. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of INR 31,000 for the first two years, which is increased to INR 35,000 for the next three years.
3. INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: This fellowship is offered to young scientists who have completed their PhD and wish to pursue research in the field of science and technology. The fellowship provides a monthly salary of INR 80,000 and a research grant of INR 7.5 lakh per year for a period of five years.
4. ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): This fellowship is offered to candidates who have cleared the ICMR-JRF exam and wish to pursue research in the field of medical sciences. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of INR 31,000 for the first two years, which is increased to INR 35,000 for the next three years.
5. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF): This fellowship is offered to candidates from SC/ST/OBC/physically challenged categories who wish to pursue research in the field of science and technology. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of INR 28,000 for the first two years, which is increased to INR 30,000 for the next three years.

Apart from these, IGIB also offers several project-based fellowships and travel grants to support research and collaboration among scientists. The institute encourages and supports young researchers by providing them with various opportunities and resources to excel in their fields of research.

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Conclusion:

To conclude, IGIB has made significant contributions to the field of genomics, resulting in the development of new technologies and solutions that have the potential to benefit society. Its interdisciplinary approach, advanced facilities, and contemporary research have made it one of the leading institutions in India. With a dedicated team of scientists, researchers, and scholars, IGIB continues to pursue its mission of advancing knowledge in the field of genomics and integrative biology. The institute’s efforts have helped place India on the global map of genomics and have also helped to create a skilled workforce in this field. IGIB’s contributions to science and society have been immense, and the institute continues to strive towards excellence in research and education.

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