“Research must be designed for translation, not just for publications”: Dr Sagar Sengupta in conversation with Rahul Koul

Rahul Koul, Chief Editor, BioVoice News spoke to Dr Sagar Sengupta, Director, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) and Director (Additional Charge), National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) on the sidelines of BioVarta, organised by the Premas Biotech in New Delhi. Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Industry–academia collaboration is often cited as critical for translating research into impact. From your perspective, what needs to be done to strengthen this collaboration in India’s healthcare and life sciences sector?

We must ensure that research does not stop at publications alone. Research programmes should be designed in a way that enables translation, so that outcomes can be taken forward by industry into products, technologies, or solutions. I actively encourage researchers to think beyond papers and consider how their work can move towards application. 

We have to help ourselves apart from the industry moving forward to help us. As an example, we are going to set up the first of its kind genomics and data analytics based bio-incubator at NIBMG. It will also look at the artificial intelligence aspect. While we would like industry to engage more deeply with academia, particularly in areas such as genomics and data sciences but academic institutions must also prepare themselves for such collaboration. We have to create the right ecosystem internally.

The announcement of RDI Fund (Research, Development, and Innovation Fund) worth Rs 1 lakh crore (approx. $12 billion) is being seen as a great move. How do you see this capital support influencing industry–academia collaboration and the broader research ecosystem?

Funding remains a challenge for academic institutions, but linking funding to industry–academia collaboration is a positive development. When funding mechanisms encourage collaboration, researchers begin to think differently, about applicability, scalability, and real-world impact. The government is actively pushing this collaborative model, and I believe it is a more effective approach than standalone funding. It helps align academic research with industry needs and national priorities.

Do you see this shift translating into more startups emerging from academic institutions in India?

Not every researcher will become an entrepreneur, and that is perfectly fine. However, even if a small number of researchers succeed in translating their work, it can create momentum. Innovation follows an exponential trajectory, when a few initiatives succeed, they inspire many others.

We are already seeing this change at institutions such as InStem, where DBT-supported research has led to product development and startups. Researchers are increasingly reformulating their thinking to focus on solutions that deliver tangible benefits.

Turning to NIBMG, where you have been leading for the past three years, what are the key initiatives that have been undertaken, and what is in the pipeline?

When I joined NIBMG, it was primarily focused on genomics. As I felt the institute had a strong potential to expand into post-genomics biology, and I have actively encouraged this transition.

We have developed new infrastructure from a greenfield stage, including a BSL-3 facility and animal house. We are also building in-house genome sequencing capabilities with the aim of significantly reducing costs. In addition, we are developing diagnostic panels for early detection of oral cancer and are working on several translational projects supported through internal mechanisms of the Department of Biotechnology. We are also working on finding the reasons for premature birth deaths and colon cancer chemoresistance. Apart from these projects, we are plan to to set up a genomics and data analytics-based bio-incubator at the institute, through our internal resources. We will be eventually looking forward to the collaboration with other organizations not only academically but also for potential translation capability. 

At NBRC, what are the major initiatives currently underway, particularly in areas where the institute has unique national capabilities?

NBRC is uniquely positioned in India to advance our understanding of how the brain works. One of our major initiatives is the autism research programme, which is part of a pan-India project involving multiple nodal centres including at AIIMS, New Delhi. NBRC serves as a key collaborating institution in this effort.

We are also developing advanced imaging and brain-mapping systems. Such facilities are usually accessible only through private providers at high cost. Our objective is to open these systems to researchers across the country, improving both access and affordability.

Looking ahead, how do you see India’s research ecosystem evolving over the next decade, especially with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence?

There is growing awareness among faculty and students about the importance of translational research. With the integration of AI and improved funding mechanisms, I believe the research ecosystem will undergo significant transformation, possibly even within the next five years.

We will see more technologies reaching early technology readiness levels, supported by bridging mechanisms that connect academia and industry. When industry recognizes research potential early and invests in basic sciences being done in academia, it accelerates innovation and strengthens India’s research-to-product pipeline.