Thiruvananthapuram: Dr Beena Pillai, Chief Scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, has been appointed as the new Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram.
The appointment of Dr Beena Pillai has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet for a tenure of five years. Beena Pillai succeeds Chandrabhas Narayana, who completed his five-year tenure as Director in September last year.
The research lab led by Dr Beena Pillai focuses on understanding the role of RNAs in early development, neurogenesis, adult behaviour, disease susceptibility, and identifying miRNA markers for human diseases.
Dr Beena Pillai: Accomplished Scientist in RNA Biology and Neuronal Development
Born in Kalady, Dr Beena Pillai completed her B.Sc from Ramnarain Ruia College and pursued an integrated MS-PhD from Indian Institute of Science.
Dr Pillai began her scientific career at CSIR-IGIB, where she rose to the position of Chief Scientist.
Over the years, Dr Pillai has received several prestigious honours, including the National Bioscience Award, INSA Young Scientist Award, and the CSIR Young Scientist Award.
The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-RGCB is a national institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
The institute is mandated to undertake discovery research in disease biology, translational sciences, technology development, and advanced training.
With her extensive experience at CSIR-IGIB, Dr Pillai is expected to lead new initiatives at BRIC-RGCB. These include the development of a cGMP facility, establishment of a bio-manufacturing hub, and the creation of an oncology referral hospital.
