The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) have launched CALIBRE, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at promoting artificial intelligence (AI)-led biological research. This collaboration seeks to integrate AI technologies into biology to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
NCBS and ICTS launch CALIBRE, an AI-driven biology research initiative in India aimed at accelerating discoveries through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Bengaluru, October 29, 2025 — The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) have jointly launched CALIBRE (Computational AI Lab for Interdisciplinary Biology Research and Education), a program dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven biological research. This initiative aims to harness the power of AI and machine learning techniques to address complex problems in biological sciences, facilitating breakthroughs in areas such as genomics, neuroscience, and molecular biology.
Advancing Biology Research with AI
CALIBRE was inaugurated on October 29, 2025, at the NCBS campus in Bengaluru, India. The collaboration leverages the strengths of NCBS in experimental biosciences and ICTS’s expertise in computational and theoretical sciences. By integrating AI methodologies, the program aspires to transform biological data analysis, improving the accuracy and speed of research outcomes.
Dr. Anurag Sharma, Director of NCBS, highlighted the program’s potential: “The launch of CALIBRE marks a pivotal moment for biological research in India. With AI’s ability to analyze large, complex datasets, we can uncover patterns and insights previously inaccessible, propelling our scientific understanding forward.”
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
CALIBRE brings together biologists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and data scientists to create an interdisciplinary hub. The center will host workshops, training sessions, and collaborative projects to nurture talent and encourage innovation at the intersection of AI and biology. It also plans to develop open-source AI tools tailored specifically for biological research challenges.
Professor Meera Iyer, Chairperson at ICTS, emphasized the program’s educational mission: “Beyond research, CALIBRE is committed to fostering a new generation of scientists who are proficient in both biology and artificial intelligence. This will prepare them to tackle future scientific challenges effectively.”
Impact and Future Prospects
The integration of AI in biological research is expected to accelerate discoveries in areas such as disease diagnosis, drug development, and personalized medicine, where data complexity often hampers progress. CALIBRE aims to position India at the forefront of AI-led life sciences research.
The program’s launch aligns with the national push towards AI innovation and digital transformation in science and technology sectors. By combining theoretical insights with practical biological applications, CALIBRE represents a critical step in this direction.
For more information about CALIBRE and opportunities for collaboration or training, interested parties can visit the official NCBS and ICTS websites.
In summary, the launch of CALIBRE by NCBS and ICTS establishes a pioneering platform that embeds AI within biological research, enhancing scientific capabilities and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in India.
