Beena Pillai Appointed New Director of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology

Beena Pillai, a chief scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi, has officially assumed charge as the new Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram. Her appointment for a five-year term was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet. RGCB is a national institute operating under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), which falls under the Department of Biotechnology within the Ministry of Science and Technology. Dr. Pillai succeeds Chandrabhas Narayana, who completed his five-year tenure as Director in September of the previous year. This leadership change marks a significant development for the institute, which is dedicated to advanced research in biotechnology and life sciences. The announcement was confirmed through an official release in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting the government's continued focus on strengthening scientific leadership in national research institutions. Dr. Pillai brings extensive experience from her previous role at a premier genomics institute, positioning her to lead RGCB's future research initiatives and strategic directions.