Realizing the importance to share ideas and new insights, the department of biotechnology (DBT) and the Academy of Finland will fund synthetic biology research teams in India and Finland respectively. The projects upto the duration of four years can cover topics such as modelling and simulation of biological reactions and systems; synthetic biology: tools and production systems and socio-cultural issues relating to synthetic biology. The submission of application on both sides can be done upto February 6, 2013.

Under the agreement, the Indian and Finnish co-applicants will develop one joint research plan that will be sent both to the DBT and Academy of Finland using their respective forms. The applications must include a statement on how the proposed collaboration is expected to bring added valued to both countries.

The project budget must clearly delineate justified Indian and Finnish costs. The costs of the Indian partner must be eligible in accordance with the guidelines of the DBT. Accordingly, the costs of the Finnish partner must be eligible in accordance with the guidelines of the Academy of Finland. Applicants have been reminded to include sufficient budget for travel between Finland and India to ensure successful collaboration.

The synthetic biology has got tremendous applications and has a greater role to play in the modern research. It involves utilization of engineering principles in the living cells by inserting the man made DNA stretches, leading to the products that have immense value to cure diseases.