Tata Institute for Genetics and Society - Tata Trusts

The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) is a non-profit institution focused on research, training and capacity building of Indian scientists in the use of latest genetic technologies to address food and healthcare security in India. It aims to advance global innovative research in a socially conscious and ethical manner to find solutions to pressing issues ranging from public health to agriculture.

Operations within TIGS is accomplished via collaboration between TIGS at the University of California, San Diego (TIGS-UC San Diego), and TIGS-India, which is based at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The work at TIGS, both at UC San Diego and inStem, is funded by the Tata Trusts.

Research at TIGS addresses concerns in priority areas in human health and agricultural productivity. The primary focus in agriculture is on developing rice varieties that can overcome biotic and abiotic stresses for increased productivity and addressing the economic well-being of farmers. In human health research, TIGS focuses on devising mechanisms to reverse antibiotic resistance, developing therapeutic interventions for hematopoietic stem cell disorders and reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases using new tools and technologies. The institute aims to introduce the developments in a phased approach, testing the safety and efficacy of the work within regulatory norms, as they progress.

In addition to its efforts in developing technologies for human health and agriculture, TIGS also considers capacity building one of its core objectives for enabling India to become a leader in cutting-edge science. Postdoctoral scientists from India undergo training in research laboratories at University of California campuses and return to continue their work at TIGS-India.