A Landmark Step in AI-Biology Collaboration
CALIBRE Boosts India’s AI-Driven Biological Research: The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), have jointly launched CALIBRE — the Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education — in Bengaluru. This marks a crucial milestone in merging artificial intelligence (AI) with biological sciences to tackle India’s scientific and environmental challenges.
Static GK fact: TIFR was founded in 1945 by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, and it operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
Purpose and Funding of CALIBRE
CALIBRE has been established with a Rs 25 crore contribution from Vishal Gupta and Deepshikha Gupta of Reed India Consulting LLP. The centre will act as a national hub for developing AI tools and frameworks for biodiversity, agriculture, and healthcare, making AI applications more relevant to India’s socio-environmental needs.
Static GK fact: Bengaluru is known as the “Science Capital of India,” hosting premier institutes like IISc, NCBS, and ISRO Headquarters.
Bridging Life Sciences and Computational Research
The centre is based at NCBS and will work closely with ICTS to bridge gaps between life sciences and computational sciences. ICTS brings its strength in theoretical and data sciences, while NCBS contributes expertise in ecology, genomics, and neuroscience. This interdisciplinary synergy is expected to generate breakthroughs in medicine, biophysics, and epidemiology.
Static GK Tip: NCBS was established in 1992 and is one of India’s leading institutes in biological research and training.
Focus on Research, Education, and Training
Beyond research, CALIBRE emphasizes capacity building. It will introduce Chair Professorships, Research Fellowships, and Travel Grants for young researchers. Training programs will be launched to build a generation skilled in both biological sciences and artificial intelligence techniques.
The initiative aims to make India self-reliant in AI-based biological innovation and strengthen the nation’s biotechnology ecosystem.
Strengthening India’s Global Scientific Leadership
According to Professor L.S. Shashidhara, Director of NCBS, CALIBRE will help scientists apply AI to solve real-world problems in healthcare, agriculture, and ecology. Professor Rajesh Gopakumar, Director of ICTS, noted that the collaboration will advance research in quantitative biology and computational neuroscience.
With CALIBRE, India is set to emerge as a global leader in AI-driven life sciences, integrating theory, computation, and biology under one roof.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
CALIBRE Boosts India’s AI-Driven Biological Research:
| Topic | Detail |
| Full Form of CALIBRE | Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education |
| Established by | NCBS and ICTS under Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) |
| Location | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Funding Amount | Rs 25 crore |
| Funded by | Vishal Gupta and Deepshikha Gupta, Reed India Consulting LLP |
| Main Objective | Integration of AI with biological and environmental research |
| Key Areas of Focus | Healthcare, biodiversity, agriculture, ecology |
| Key Initiative | Chair Professorships and Research Fellowships |
| NCBS Established Year | 1992 |
| TIFR Founder | Dr. Homi J. Bhabha |
