India

Basic research in India is primarily coordinated and funded under the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Science's three nodal agencies. India typically enjoys a high level of public support for scientific research.

The Indian government has an essentially permissive position on various forms of stem cell research, allowing, for example, the derivation of human embryonic stem cell lines, the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer in human cells for research purposes. (Reproductive cloning and the implantation of blastocysts created for research are banned.)

The joint DBT-ICMR guidelines for stem cell research will be publicly debated prior to acceptance. The Indian government is currently deliberating its regulatory stance in regard to human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, but indications are that it will take a broadly permissive position. Meanwhile, research on iPS cells will be encouraged.

Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences

Basic research in India is primarily coordinated and funded under the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences through 3 nodal agencies: the Dept of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

DBT 
The Department of Biotechnology is the main source of competitive grants to academic and government research labs in the broad area of biotechnology including stem cell research. The DBT runs several autonomous bio-medical research institutes. Through its Task Force on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, the DBT has funded a large number of basic research groups in India, as well several multi-centre clinical trials. The DBT also funds infrastructure projects through its Institutes and its Centers of Excellence programs and has recently created dedicated centers for stem cells- the Center for Stem Cell Research at Christian Medical College, Vellore (established 2007) and the Stem Cell Institute slated for 2008. The DBT coordinates India’s membership in World programs such as the HFSP and has bilateral funding programs with Australia and other countries.

DST
The Department of Science and Technology is a major source of funding for basic science in all areas including bio-medical research. Among its autonomous institutes, 3 have major bio-medical research programs.

CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is an umbrella organization governing ~40 national laboratories of which 6 are dedicated to the life-sciences (4 to biomedical research).

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. The ICMR funds dedicated institutes as well as an extramural grants program for Centers of Excellence and individual research projects including stem cell research. The ICMR jointly with the DBT has formulated and published Guidelines for Stem Cell Research in India. 

Research Societies and Networks

Stem Cell Research Foundation of India

SCRFI was founded 2006; holds an annual meeting; member of ISSCR.

Indian Society for Cell Biology

ISCB was founded in the 70’s; holds an annual meeting; funds student travel to meetings; member of International Society of Cell Biology.

Indian Society for Developmental Biology

ISDB was founded in the 70’s; holds an annual meeting; active involvement of international developmental biology community.

Society of Biological Chemists

SBC was founded in 1930; holds an annual meeting covering all areas of biology; increasingly focusing on molecular cell biology.

India is a member of the Human Frontiers Science Program. www.hfsp.org

The major funding agencies for stem cell research are nodal agencies of the Govt. of India-the CSIR, DBT, DST and the ICMR. Each of these agencies also co-ordinates bilateral funding programs: for example, DBT manages the Indo-Australia Biotech Fund, and Indo-Danish Fund, while DST manages the Indo-Japan co-operation and the Indo-France co-operation (CEFIPRA). (see DBT and DST websites for details)

India typically enjoys a high level of public support for scientific research, and the prospects of embryonic stem cells, somatic cell nuclear transfer and regenerative medicine have been greeted in a generally positive manner.