Job Description

The Bio-responsibility Future Leaders Programme (BFLP) is a year-long, part-time
training programme focused on building the future leaders to promote safe, secure
and responsible research and innovation in life sciences in India. The programme is
run by the Centre for Society and Policy, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. The
programme will strive to create national capacity at the intersection of life sciences,
security, and policy by training and supporting emerging leaders through interactive
workshops, seminars, and high-level policy roundtable discussions.
Read more about the Bio-responsibility Project at the Centre for Society and Policy,
Indian Institute of Science, here: https://csp.iisc.ac.in/bio-responsibility/
Scope of the programme:
The programme defines bio-responsibility as a set of practices adapted to ensure
safe, secure and responsible use of life science research. The topics covered under
this programme include (but not limited to) issues related to research involving
AI-Biology interface, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, human augmentation,
cyber-biosecurity, dual-use research, gain-of-function research,
permafrost-associated pathogens, etc.
Over time, the programme will expand into a broader network of trained professionals.
This network will strive to understand the technical and policy intricacies to develop
policy solutions towards achieving holistic bio-responsibility without impeding
innovation. Community engagement activities will be conducted to keep the
participant network active and facilitate mentor-mentee engagements over time. An
online resource directory would also be developed to support professionals interested
in learning and contributing to this area.
Programme overview:
The participants will be expected to participate in two in-person events in the year:
i) A workshop combined with a national high-level policy roundtable involving
established national experts and policymakers (up to 3 days)
ii) A participant symposium/workshop combined with an international conference to
facilitate global engagement among established experts and the participants. (up to 3
days)
The expenses for in-person participation will be supported under the programme.
Additionally, online policy talks, information sessions, and community engagement will
be organised to keep the participants updated about the latest developments related
to bio-responsibility. Participants will also be provided an opportunity to prepare policy
briefs that address emerging bio-responsibility challenges. These policy briefs will be
published and hosted on the project webpage and may be used to communicate
bio-responsibility policy solutions.
Apply here:
Why apply:
● Learn and develop expertise in historical, technical, policy, regulatory and
global governance aspects of safe, secure and responsible life science
research and innovation.
● Contribute to building national capacity in this area through active engagement
in policy roundtables and workshops.
● Network and connect with leading national and global experts from
governments, academia, industry, and civil society.
● Develop an understanding of current national and global priorities in
bio-responsibility.
● Learn about career development opportunities.
● Receive a certificate upon completion of the programme.
Eligibility:
● An Indian citizen residing in India
● Under 40 years old at the time of the application deadline
● Currently full-time employed
● Master’s degree in life sciences or other relevant areas (including social
sciences)
● Demonstrated interest in safe, secure and responsible life science research
and innovation
Early career professionals, including Post-docs, biosafety officers, assistant
professors, government officials, scientists in national labs and industry
professionals, are encouraged to apply. Applicants from diverse backgrounds
are encouraged.
Intake:
● 5-8 participants will be inducted into the programme.
Application Process:
Fill the Application Form using the link below:
https://forms.gle/Q4Hm3HAK56aC7sXe8
Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
Note: It is a part-time programme and does not provide a full-time stipend or salary. It
only provides (travel, accommodation, ground transport and meals) support for
participants to attend two in-person events at the Indian Institute of Science,
Bengaluru. An honorarium will be provided to the participants for accepted policy
briefs. The programme will also provide relevant knowledge and technical support to
the selected participants