The 39th Foundation Day of the BRIC–National Institute of Immunology (BRIC–NII) will be celebrated on October 6–7, 2025, at the G.P. Talwar Auditorium, BRIC–NII, New Delhi. The theme of this year’s Foundation Day, “Immunology and Allied Research in India: Foundations, Frontiers, and Futures,” reflects both the enduring legacy and the dynamic trajectory of immunological research in the country.
The two-day program is designed as a confluence of scientific discourse, policy deliberation, and cultural celebration. It will bring together eminent scientists, distinguished academicians, policy makers, and industry leaders to collectively reflect on achievements, address emerging challenges, and explore new frontiers in immunology and allied biomedical sciences.
Day 1 will open with a Welcome Address by the Director, BRIC–NII, followed by the Foundation Day Lecture entitled, "Evolutionary Inventions and Innovations That Drove the Rise of Chemistry, the Birth of Biology and Determine Human History", by Padma Bhushan Prof. P. Balaram, a distinguished Indian Biochemist and former director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. The scientific deliberations will begin with a session on “Mycobacterial Diseases: Leprosy and Tuberculosis”, featuring contributions from leading experts whose research spans clinical, molecular, and translational dimensions of these persistent public health challenges. The afternoon session, “The Biology of Infectious Disease and Autoimmunity”, will highlight current advances and unresolved questions in host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation. Later in the day, a panel discussion on Science Policy will convene eminent voices from government, academia, and research organizations to discuss the evolving landscape of scientific governance, funding, and strategic priorities for biomedical innovation in India. The day will conclude with a cultural performance by Pt. Abhay Sopori.
Day 2 will focus on the frontiers of Cancer and Reproductive Immunology, areas where immunological insights are increasingly transforming both therapeutic strategies and preventive approaches. A special Industry Perspective Panel discussion will follow, convening biotechnology and pharmaceutical leaders to deliberate on translational opportunities, public–private partnerships, and innovation pipelines in immunology-related healthcare. The afternoon will be devoted to a Reflections & Reminiscences session, where colleagues, students, and collaborators will reflect upon the life and scientific journey of Prof. G.P. Talwar. This will be followed by the Keynote Address and Felicitation of Prof. Talwar, marking the centerpiece of the celebration. The event will conclude with a cultural evening by NII scholars, reinforcing the spirit of scientific community and cultural enrichment.
Through its carefully curated sessions, the 39th Foundation Day seeks not only to pay tribute to Prof. Talwar’s enduring legacy but also to reaffirm BRIC–NII’s role as a hub of cutting-edge research, innovation, and capacity building in immunology. The event provides a unique platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, bridging basic science, translational research, industry, and policy, while inspiring the next generation of researchers to contribute to India’s biomedical future.
Please click here to download the program schedule.