The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) have announced the establishment of a new centre aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into biological research and education. This initiative is set to enhance computational approaches in biology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
NCBS and ICTS launch a centre to integrate AI in biological research and education, advancing computational biology and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Bangalore, October 29, 2025 – The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both premier research institutions under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), have jointly announced the establishment of a new centre dedicated to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into biological research and education. The centre aims to leverage AI technologies to advance biological sciences by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among biologists, computer scientists, and data analysts.
The new facility, inaugurated on Wednesday at the NCBS campus in Bangalore, represents a strategic move to bolster computational biology and accelerate discoveries in life sciences. Through this initiative, NCBS and ICTS seek to address complex biological questions using cutting-edge AI techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, and data-driven modeling.
Speaking at the announcement event, Dr. Raghavendra Gadagkar, Director of NCBS, emphasized the importance of integrating AI tools with biological research. “Biology is rapidly becoming data-intensive, and AI offers unprecedented opportunities to decode complex biological systems. This centre will serve as a hub where experts from multiple disciplines collaborate to push the boundaries of biological understanding,” he said.
The centre will facilitate training programs and workshops to educate researchers and students on AI methodologies relevant to biology. Additionally, it aims to develop new algorithms and software tailored for biological data analysis, including genomics, proteomics, and neuroscience. By equipping biologists with advanced computational tools, the centre hopes to enhance research efficiency and innovation.
Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Chairperson of ICTS, highlighted the growing importance of AI in theoretical and experimental sciences. “Our collaboration with NCBS symbolizes a commitment to harness computational advancements in addressing biological challenges. This centre will act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, enabling scientists to extract meaningful insights from complex biological datasets,” he remarked.
The establishment of the centre aligns with global trends where AI is increasingly applied in healthcare, drug discovery, environmental monitoring, and fundamental biology. Experts believe that integrating AI in biological education will prepare a new generation of scientists proficient in both life sciences and computational techniques.
The centre plans to collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and international organizations to expand its research horizons and resource base. Early projects under the centre include AI-driven analysis of neural circuits, microbial ecosystem modeling, and genetic data interpretation.
In summary, the NCBS and ICTS initiative marks a significant step toward melding artificial intelligence with biological research and education. By fostering a multidisciplinary environment and providing infrastructure and expertise, the new centre is poised to contribute substantially to scientific innovation in India and beyond.
