Centre and West Bengal to initiate collaborative clinical and drug trial research on cancer and antimicrobial therapies

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology (S&T), Dr Jitendra Singh held a detailed meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata. After the talks, it has been decided to implement all major central schemes related to science, research, innovation and startups in West Bengal with immediate effect.

Two important decisions of regional importance were also taken in the meeting- To initiate a dedicated study on arsenic poisoning in the affected districts of West Bengal through CSIR institutes; and collaborative clinical and drug trial research on cancer and antimicrobial therapies involving premier scientific institutions, government medical colleges, cancer hospitals and AIIMS medical network.

Directors and representatives of scientific institutions working under the Ministry of Science and Technology in West Bengal attended the meeting.

The main topic of discussion was to create a coordinated framework between the Central and State Government for scientific research, innovation, biotechnology, clinical studies, startup promotion and expansion of science education across the state.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that West Bengal has a strong scientific and academic ecosystem. In this, institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology are functioning across the state and contributing to advanced research areas.

The meeting mainly discussed the student-centric and women-centric schemes of the Department of Science and Technology in schools and colleges of West Bengal. It was decided to expand flagship programmes like INSPIRE, INSPIRE Standard, Vigyan Jyoti, Kiran and WISE and implement them in a coordinated manner to strengthen scientific temper, innovation and participation of students and women in S&T areas.

The Union Minister said that integration of Central Scientific Schemes with educational institutions in West Bengal will help in creating a strong foundation for innovation, scientific education and research-oriented talent development among the youth.