Mains issueGS-3News & Analysis14 October 2026

Promoting Basic Research for Technological Advancement and Societal Impact

An aspirant should be able to argue for the critical role of sustained basic research and collaborative ecosystems in driving technological advancements and medical breakthroughs, while also understanding the historical context and potential applications of emerging biotechnologies like stem cell and gene therapies.

Source: thehindu.comOriginal report

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Why now

The ongoing International Cell & Gene Therapy Conference (CGTCON 2026) serves as a contemporary platform to discuss the continuous need for basic research to drive applications like stem cell and gene therapies, making the issue of fostering a robust research ecosystem highly relevant for Mains.

Core issue

P. Balaram, former director of IISc, emphasized the critical role of basic research in developing everyday applications, speaking at the 11th International Cell & Gene Therapy Conference (CGTCON 2026). He highlighted the collaborative and historical nature of scientific discovery, citing Abraham Flexner's views on medical education transformation and Linus Pauling's foundational work on sickle cell haemoglobin and genetics. Balaram underscored the importance of continuous research for advancements like stem cell and gene therapies, which offer potential solutions for neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system injuries.

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