At the core of our ethos is supporting training and educational programmes that promote better integration of AI and biology.

Sushila Gupta Chair Professor

The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), as part of the CALIBRE programme in collaboration with ICTS, invites nominations for the prestigious Sushila Gupta Chair Professorships. The programme seeks internationally recognised researchers conducting transformative, interdisciplinary research at the interface of Artificial Intelligence and the Biological Sciences. Chair Professors are expected to spend a minimum of one month each year at NCBS, with flexible appointment schedules. The professorship offers a generous amount of honorarium based on time spent at the institute, a research grant (depending on the nature and duration of the work), travel support, guest house accommodation, dedicated office space, administrative assistance, and access to NCBS's computing, experimental, and shared research facilities. 

Nomination: Faculty members at NCBS are invited to nominate suitable candidates. They are encouraged to identify and recommend outstanding researchers whose expertise and contributions have the potential to significantly advance interdisciplinary AI–biology research and strengthen collaborative capacity at NCBS. The nomination can be sent to calibre@ncbs.res.in along with (i) a cover letter from the host faculty, (ii) the nominee's curriculum vitae (CV), (iii) a brief research statement (1–2 pages), and (iv) a research budget, where applicable.

Professors of Practice (PoP)

The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), through the CALIBRE programme in collaboration with ICTS, invites nominations for Professors of Practice (PoP) to bring experienced professionals from industry and other non-academic sectors into the research ecosystem. The programme seeks distinguished experts with proven expertise in AI/ML and a strong track record of applying AI technologies to biological research. Professors of Practice are expected to spend a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months per year at NCBS, with flexible appointment schedules, and may contribute through collaborative research, teaching, workshops, and fostering industry–academia partnerships. The position offers a generous honorarium based on time spent at the institute, a research grant (depending on the nature and duration of the work), travel support, guest house accommodation, dedicated office space, administrative assistance, and access to NCBS's computing, experimental, and shared research facilities.

Nomination: Faculty members at NCBS are invited to nominate suitable candidates. They are encouraged to identify and recommend accomplished industry professionals who can meaningfully enhance applied AI-biology research and strengthen industry engagement at NCBS. The nomination can be sent to calibre@ncbs.res.in along with (i) a cover letter from the host faculty, (ii) the nominee's curriculum vitae (CV), (iii) a brief statement (1–2 pages) outlining how the PoP will engage with CALIBRE, and (iv) a research budget, where applicable. 

Visiting Scientist

The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), through the CALIBRE programme in collaboration with ICTS, invites nominations for Visiting Scientists to host short- to medium-term researchers who can contribute specialised expertise, initiate new collaborations, strengthen ongoing projects, and provide advanced training in areas aligned with the programme's mandate. The programme welcomes faculty members, research scientists, and senior professionals from academia, research institutions, and industry working at the interface of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the biological sciences. Visits may range from two weeks to six months. Visiting Scientists will be provided office space, administrative support, and access to computing, experimental, and shared facilities across NCBS and ICTS, similar to other program-supported personnel.

Activities during Visit:

Visiting Scientists may undertake one or more of the following:

  • Collaborative research with NCBS/ICTS faculty
  • Short lecture series or advanced tutorials
  • Hands-on training sessions
  • Joint supervision of students or postdoctoral fellows
  • Development of new research directions or proposals aligned with CALIBRE
  • Participation in seminars, workshops, and community-building events

 

AI in Biology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

To train and support early-career researchers pursuing innovative projects integrating AI approaches with biological research.

HS Gupta and Asha Gupta Research Travel Fellowships

To support NCBS faculty, students and early career researchers to travel to international conferences/workshops and to support short visits to pioneering labs for training in AI in Biology. More details are available here: https://intranet.ncbs.res.in/services/rdo/intramural (accessible only via NCBS Intranet)

CALIBRE aims to build capacity in the area of AI through the following programs:

  • Training and Capacity-Building Programs: Organization of workshops, training sessions, and seminar series in the field of AI for Biology and Biology for AI.
  • Student Internships: Opportunities for students to engage in short-term research internships, gaining hands-on experience in applying AI tools to biological research problems.
  • Conferences: Organising national and international conferences to facilitate scientific exchange, collaboration, and dissemination of research outcomes.
  • Workshops: Organising workshops designed to promote skill development, interdisciplinary engagement, and knowledge sharing among researchers.
  • Outreach and Other Meetings: Support for meetings, outreach activities, and networking events aimed at promoting awareness, collaboration, and community-building in AI and biological sciences.