ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION)
No.F.10/P.R/2009/PRD                                                                                            Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029
                                                                                                                         Dated: 15-01-2010
PRESS RELEASE
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences in association with Department of Biotechnology and the Wellcome Trust organised a Brainstorming session on “Translational Medicine and Strengthening Biomedical Research in Medical School System in India” with focus on strengthening Biomedical Research in India.
The Brainstorming session was hosted by Prof. R.C. Deka, Director AIIMS. Senior policy makers including Dr. V.M. Katoch, Secretary, Department of Health Research (ICMR), Dr. MK Bhan Secretary Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST, gathered on the visit of Dr. Sir Mark Walport, Director, Wellcome Trust, UK. The Wellcome Trust is one of the largest charity funding Biomedical Research. Over 250 faculty and students of AIIMS and senior faculty from CMC Vellore, NCBS Bangalore, Tata Memorial Hospital Bangalore, Amrita Institute, Cochin, Several IITs and other central institutes of Delhi participated in the brainstorming along with other prominent scientists, doctors and researchers.
Prof R.C. Deka in his address laid stress on a meeting point between clinical and basic science, trans-disciplinary training, on creating knowledge hubs and creating a new department for clinical research at AIIMS. Prof Deka also gave an indepth overview of Bio-medical research at AIIMS. A number of issues like having a pool mechanism for young doctors showing interest in research, on-line guidance by AIIMS, better pay and incentives to researchers, including tenured appointments were also discussed at the Brainstorming session. Professor Sir Mark Walport Director Wellcome Trust sensitized the attendees about the initiatives of the Wellcome Trust in India and across the Globe. He further encouraged the Clinical Doctors to engage in Innovative Translational Research which may have impact on cutting costs of treatment across the globe. The Secretary of the ICMR Dr Katoch emphasised on the urban rural divide and further encouraged the researchers to engage in India relevant research. The Panel discussion was chaired by Professor PN Tandon and the end summary with definite objectives and achievables was given by Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST.

(S. Rangabashiam)
Addl. P.R..O.