CHENNAI: Madras University will partner with Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in a yet-to-be-drafted national programme on biodefence, along with re search in nanoscience and technology.Chief controller of DRDO W Selvamurthy on Thursday told Express the national programme of biodefence is currently being drafted and DRDO is the nodal agency associated with the project. It aims at protecting the natural wealth, including plants, herbs, animals, hotspots in North East and Western Ghats, coasts and farm products.Selvamurthy, who inaugurated the National Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, said the state-of-the art `100 crore research lab, sanctioned by the Union government, will play a key role in the biodefence programme. The lab will test the soil and the atmosphere to measure toxicity. The DRDO has tied up with National Manufacturing Competitive Council in preparing a draft on nanoscience and technology policy which will be ready in six months. He said there is a need for the government to multiply the investment in nanotechnology. To a query on how much fund is required to implement the policy, he said, “The plan is to do it in phases. The first phase will require $2 billion and later increase it to $5 billion.” He also said of the `12,000 crore budget for the DRDO, 10 per cent is being offered to universities and institutes for research. “These initiatives will help create a knowledge bank for the next 10 years,” Selvamurthy said.Madras University Vice Chancellor G Thiruvasagam said the university will be submitting a proposal on the partnership within two weeks.
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