Written by : Jayati Dubey
November 28, 2023
The collaboration aims to establish sectoral and cross-organisational partnerships, developing innovative approaches for tackling future epidemics and infectious diseases.
In a move towards advancing vaccine research initiatives, Bharat Biotech International and the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID) have formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The partnership aims to not only bolster academic-industry ties but also contribute to global endeavours in combating infectious diseases.
Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Krishna Ella, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech, said, "This agreement reflects our ethos to facilitate collaborative research, foster innovation, and further advance the science of vaccine technology. Mutually, we are excited about the new opportunities to strengthen our shared vision, leverage the prowess of education and research capabilities to help build a healthier universe and improve people's lives by developing safer vaccine platforms."
The collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing the talent of young scientists with a passion for innovation, according to Ella. By joining forces, Bharat Biotech and the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute aim to create new opportunities for collaborative research and innovation in the field of vaccine development.
Jamie Triccas, deputy director at Sydney ID, highlighted the profound societal impact of developing novel vaccines that are safe, affordable, and effective in eradicating human and animal diseases. Together with Bharat Biotech, he expressed their commitment to making a lasting impact on global health.
The partnership's broader objectives include building strong sectoral and cross-organisational collaborations to design innovative methodologies for addressing future epidemics and infectious diseases. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to leverage the strengths of academia and industry to advance the science of vaccines and biotherapeutics.
The importance of vaccines as the most effective and cost-efficient means to protect billions of people worldwide was underscored.
India's prowess in vaccine manufacturing was particularly showcased during the COVID-19 pandemic, where companies such as Bharat Biotech played a crucial role. According to the company, Bharat Biotech alone met over 60% of the world's demand, supplying more than 2.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
As the collaboration between Bharat Biotech and the University of Sydney takes shape, it holds promise not only for the advancement of vaccine technology but also for fostering global health innovation through shared expertise and resources.
In a similar development, the Apollo Hospitals Group signed a MoU with the University of Leicester to foster international collaboration and promote education and research initiatives in healthcare management, healthcare, and data science.
This partnership aims to develop education programs, cutting-edge research projects, and global mobility opportunities for Indian students while maintaining a high standard in healthcare workforce development.