FARIDABAD: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today visited the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI) here, on the occasion of its 16th Foundation Day and took stock of the ongoing work at the first-of- its- kind upcoming "Medical Research Centre" (MRC), a key infrastructure project aimed at strengthening India's clinical research capabilities.

THSTI, an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, is in the final stages of establishing the Medical Research Centre-a multi-storeyed facility designed to support advanced clinical studies with separate exclusive sections dedicated to the study of Enteric infections, respiratory infections etc.

During his visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh inspected the building, which has now been completed, and reviewed the status of equipment installation and operational readiness.

The new centre will house specialized sections for research on enteric and respiratory infections, among other focus areas. Once operational, it is expected to facilitate clinical observation studies and trials, including work on diagnostics and therapeutics. The MRC will also feature a Controlled Human Infection Facility-one of the few in the region-aimed at accelerating infectious disease research.

Addressing the THSTI community, Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the institute's progress and consistent contributions to public health innovation. "Each year, I am more impressed by the strides you make in translational health science," he said, adding that THSTI exemplifies how research institutions can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application.

The Minister recalled THSTI's pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in vaccine development and immunological studies. The institute played a key part in early DNA vaccine trials and contributed significantly to understanding the virus and its transmission patterns through well-coordinated scientific studies. These efforts, in partnership with the industry, were instrumental in informing India's public health response, he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted several recent achievements by THSTI over the past year. These include the development of potent monoclonal antibodies against the Nipah virus-marking a significant advance from a low- and middle-income country-and the institute's selection by CEPI as a Pre-clinical Network Laboratory, the first in Asia and ninth globally. This recognition underlines THSTI's capacity to handle high-risk pathogens and contribute to global epidemic preparedness.

The Minister noted the expansion of the Experimental Animal Facility, now among the largest in the country, and the creation of the Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMiC), a resource that will support research in human microbiome and infectious diseases.

Looking ahead, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke about the role of the upcoming Medical Research Centre and the adjoining Translational Research Facility (TRF) in boosting India's scientific and medical research infrastructure. The TRF will support work on vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, diagnostics, and biotherapeutics, and is expected to host multiple Centres of Excellence through partnerships with industry and academia.

The Minister acknowledged THSTI's emphasis on public-private collaboration, referencing the SYNCH-N 2025 event held yesterday where approximately 18 Letters of Intent and agreements were signed. He said these collaborations would be instrumental in translating research into accessible healthcare solutions.

Reiterating the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, "Your work is directly contributing to a healthier, more resilient India."

As THSTI marks its 16th Foundation Day, the completion of the Medical Research Centre signals a new chapter for the institute. With enhanced infrastructure and a continued focus on translational science, THSTI remains a vital part of India's effort to advance healthcare through research and innovation.