• National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS): NCCS Pune is a premier research institute that was established in 1986 as a National Repository of Animal Cell Culture. Over the years its mandate has grown to cover basic research, teaching and training and as a national repository for cell lines/hybridomas. It also contributes to manpower development in animal tissue culture through training programmes/workshops and extends infrastructural facilities to researchers and institutions involved in biological research. NCCS also conducts Ph.D. programme wherein more than 130 students are enrolled. These students play a major role in advancing institute’s intellectual agenda. NCCS has a long-standing reputation for excellence in biomedical research in the areas including cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, stem cells and regenerative medicine.

• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune: IISER Pune is an Institute of National Importance dedicated to research and teaching in the basic sciences established in 2006 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. As a unique initiative in science education in India, IISER aims to be a ‘science university’ of the highest caliber integrating state-of-the-art research and high quality education. IISER has initiated a 5-year BS-MS programme, an Integrated Ph.D. programme, a Ph.D. programme and a postdoctoral fellowship scheme with approximately 1000 students, 500 researchers and 100 faculties. IISER-Pune, in its nine years of existence, has created an intellectually vibrant atmosphere and is recognized for its research output, scholastic excellence and training & outreach programs.