Jitendra Singh Visits THSTI on Foundation Day, Reviews Progress of India’s First-of-its-Kind Medical Research Centre

Faridabad: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today visited the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) on the occasion of its 16th Foundation Day, and took stock of the ongoing work at the upcoming Medical Research Centre (MRC)—a landmark facility that promises to significantly boost India’s clinical research capabilities.

THSTI, an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, is in the final stages of establishing the multi-storeyed Medical Research Centre. Designed to support advanced clinical research, the MRC will feature exclusive sections dedicated to the study of enteric and respiratory infections, among other areas critical to public health.

Dr. Singh inspected the now-completed building and reviewed the status of equipment installation and overall operational readiness. Once functional, the centre will play a pivotal role in conducting clinical observation studies and trials, particularly for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics. A key highlight of the new facility is the Controlled Human Infection Facility—one of the few of its kind in the region—aimed at accelerating research on infectious diseases by enabling carefully monitored human infection studies.

Addressing scientists, researchers, and faculty members of THSTI, Dr. Singh lauded the institute for its consistent contributions to public health research and innovation. “Each year, I am more impressed by the strides you make in translational health science. THSTI is a shining example of how research institutions can bridge the gap between lab discoveries and real-world healthcare solutions,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the institute’s significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister recalled THSTI’s contributions in vaccine development and immunological studies, including early work on DNA vaccine trials. He credited the institute’s scientific rigor and its partnerships with industry for shaping India’s effective public health response to the crisis.

Dr. Singh also outlined several major achievements by THSTI over the past year. Among these is the development of potent monoclonal antibodies against the Nipah virus, a breakthrough achievement from a low- and middle-income country. He also highlighted THSTI’s selection by CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) as a Pre-clinical Network Laboratory—the first in Asia and ninth globally—signifying global recognition of its expertise in handling high-risk pathogens.

The Minister noted the institute’s infrastructure growth, including the expansion of its Experimental Animal Facility, now one of the largest in the country, and the establishment of the Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMiC), a resource that supports cutting-edge research in human microbiome and infectious disease.

Looking ahead, Dr. Singh said that the upcoming Medical Research Centre, along with the adjoining Translational Research Facility (TRF), will elevate India’s scientific and medical research ecosystem. The TRF is set to support work on vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, diagnostics, and biotherapeutics, and will host multiple Centres of Excellence through partnerships with both industry and academia.

He also referenced the SYNCH-N 2025 event held a day earlier, during which 18 Letters of Intent and collaboration agreements were signed. Dr. Singh emphasized that public-private collaboration is key to ensuring that cutting-edge research translates into accessible and affordable healthcare solutions for all.

“Your work is directly contributing to a healthier, more resilient India,” the Minister said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s research infrastructure and global competitiveness.

As THSTI celebrates its 16th Foundation Day, the completion of the Medical Research Centre marks the beginning of a new chapter in its journey. With advanced facilities and a strong focus on translational science, the institute continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare research and innovation in India.