Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, on February 1, 2022. His initial appointment was till the end of 2023. However, the Government of India has extended his tenure for a period of two years, with effect from November 1, 2023.
This extension is a recognition of Dr. Gokhale’s outstanding contributions to the field of biotechnology and his leadership in driving the DBT’s mission to promote the development and application of biotechnology for improving the health and well-being of the Indian people.
During his tenure as Secretary, DBT, Dr. Gokhale has played a key role in overseeing a number of important initiatives, including:
The launch of the National Mission on Quantum Technologies
The establishment of the Centre for Excellence in Biotechnology for Healthcare
The implementation of the National Biotechnology Development Strategy
The promotion of public-private partnerships in biotechnology research and development
Dr. Gokhale is a renowned immunologist with over 30 years of experience in research and administration. He has held senior positions at several prestigious institutions, including the National Centre for Cell Sciences, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, and the National Institute of Immunology.
Dr. Gokhale’s extension as Secretary, DBT, is a welcome development for the Indian biotechnology sector. His leadership and vision will be essential in guiding the DBT to achieve its goals of making India a global leader in biotechnology innovation and application.
