India and UK Inaugurate BRIC-CDFD–ONT Genomics Centre

India and the UK jointly inaugurated the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence in New Delhi on 12 October 2026. The inauguration was completed on that date during the 8th India–UK Science and Innovation Council meeting. It matters because the centre is meant to strengthen genomic research, technology translation and commercialisation in areas such as rare diseases, cancer and infectious-disease surveillance.

What happened and when

The centre was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, and Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. The source article was published on 13 October 2026, one day after the event. As of 13 October 2026, the inauguration is a completed event, not a scheduled one.

What the centre is about

The BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence is a collaboration between the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). The evidence says it is intended to advance genomic research, support the conversion of research into practical applications, and help commercialise scientific discoveries.

Useful science context

Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete genetic material, including the structure, function and interactions of its genes. DNA sequencing means determining the order of nucleotide bases in DNA. Oxford Nanopore Technologies develops sequencing technology that measures changes in electrical current as nucleic acid molecules pass through nanopores.

Why it matters for learners

For revision, the important exam-style facts are the participating countries, the location, the date, and the institutions involved. The centre also shows how science cooperation is linked with practical outcomes such as healthcare applications, research partnerships and technology commercialisation.

India–UK cooperation framework

The inauguration fits into wider India–UK cooperation under the India–UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding, the Technology Security Initiative and India–UK Vision 2035. The same Council meeting also discussed broader collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, telecommunications and net-zero technologies.

Public-health and research applications mentioned in the evidence

• Rare diseases
• Cancer
• Infectious-disease surveillance
• Newborn screening for maternal and child healthcare
• Genomic applications in oral cancer

Key facts at a glance

Practice MCQs

Question 1

On which date was the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence inaugurated?

1. 12 October 2026
2. 13 October 2026
3. 10 October 2026
4. 8 October 2026

Answer: 12 October 2026 — The evidence says the inauguration took place on 12 October 2026.

Question 2

Who jointly inaugurated the genomics centre in New Delhi?

1. Dr Jitendra Singh and Jonathan Reynolds
2. Prof. Ajay Sood and Dr Rajesh Gokhale
3. Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam and Nick Keher
4. Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman and Ben Mellor

Answer: Dr Jitendra Singh and Jonathan Reynolds — The evidence names them as the joint inaugurators.

Question 3

What does BRIC-CDFD stand for in the evidence?

1. Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics
2. Biological Research Institute for Clinical Diagnostics and Forecasting
3. Biotechnology Research in Innovation and Cancer Diagnostics Forum
4. British Research Centre for DNA and Forensic Diagnostics

Answer: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics — This full form is stated in the evidence.

Question 4

Which organisation is the UK partner in the centre?

1. Oxford Nanopore Technologies
2. Department for Business, Innovation and Trade
3. British High Commission in India
4. Technology Security Initiative

Answer: Oxford Nanopore Technologies — The evidence describes the centre as a collaboration between BRIC-CDFD and ONT.

Question 5

As of 13 October 2026, how should the inauguration event be classified?

1. Completed
2. Scheduled
3. Ongoing
4. Cancelled

Answer: Completed — The event had already taken place on 12 October 2026, before the article publication date.