Doctoral Programme |
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Until recently, ACTREC ran its Ph.D. program through its affiliation to the University of Mumbai. With effect from September 2006, all the units of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have been brought under the purview of the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), which has the status of a Deemed University under the UGC Act. ACTREC now offers the Ph.D. degree in the Life Sciences of the HBNI. The Ph.D. students at the Centre undertake research in different areas of Cancer Biology such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, tumor immunology, immunotherapy, virology, chemotherapy and carcinogenesis, gene therapy in animal models, tumor markers, structural biology, proteomics, genomics, genetics and glycobiology. A total of 85 students are at present enrolled for the Ph.D. program at ACTREC, while 4 students have been awarded the Ph.D. degree in 2010. Applications for the Ph.D. program are invited through advertisement in leading newspapers and through our website [http://www.actrec.gov.in] early in the year (February/ March). Candidates all across India can apply, and selection takes place through an initial screening of applications, a written examination and an interview. M.Sc. (Applied Biology/ Biochemistry/ Biophysics/ Biotechnology/ Botany/ Life Sciences/ Microbiology/ Molecular Biology/ Zoology), M.Tech. (Bioinformatics/ Biotechnology) or M.B.B.S., from a recognized University, with ?60% aggregate marks. Those awaiting results may also apply. Candidates fulfilling the minimum eligibility requirements are called for a written qualifying test at their own expense. Candidates who qualify in the written test are interviewed within 2-3 days of the written test. Candidates who have a valid UGC/ CSIR/ DBT/ ICMR, etc fellowship are called in for a direct interview around the same time. Successful candidates (Junior Research Fellows - JRFs) are granted provisional admission pending completion of other requirements (medical examination, etc). Before initiating the Ph.D. project work, all JRFs at ACTREC must go through a core course of HBNI, which exposes them to different facets of Cancer Biology through several modules encompassing disciplines such as Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cancer Cell Biology and Immunology, and Biostatistics. On completion of the core course, the JRFs take up the requisite number of Electives in areas such as - Tumor Immunology, Carcinogenesis Chemoprevention and DNA repair, Angiogenesis and Metastasis, Deregulation of Cell Growth in Cancer, Animal Models in Cancer Research, Structural Biology, Cancer Therapeutics, Development and Differentiation, Proteases in Cancer, etc. The JRFs also receive training in Instrumentation, Advanced Techniques and Laboratory Safety Guidelines. A series of invited lectures from experts in disciplines other than cancer provide JRFs a global perspective of the research arena. The progress of the JRFs is monitored through a series of written tests based on the lectures delivered in each module and also seminar presentations. The JRFs have to score an average of 60% marks in the Cancer Biology lecture program. The research work of each JRF is monitored by a Doctoral Committee (DC) comprising of the Chairman, Guide, Faculty member of the Institute in the area of related research, Faculty member from an allied domain of specialization and a Technology advisor, where necessary. DC members meet once a year to evaluate the work done by the student. Extension of fellowship is based on the DC’s report and recommendations. JRFs at ACTREC receive a stipend of Rs. 16,000/- + 30% HRA (if hostel facility is not allotted) per month as applicable. The fellowship is paid on the 8th of every month. NET qualified candidates can avail of CSIR/UGC Fellowship. The Junior Research Fellowship is tenable for a period of 2 years, extendable by a further period of no more than 2 years, on an annual renewal basis. Extension for the third and fourth year is considered after extensive evaluation of the work done during the previous years. JRFs are not treated as regular employees of the Centre and are not automatically considered for any appointment. Each JRF will be entitled to 30 days leave in a year, in addition to the declared holidays observed by the Centre during the calendar year of twelve months. Leave not availed during the first year can be carried over to the next year. However, no more than 60 days leave can be accumulated at any time during the tenure of the fellowship and no more than 30 days can be availed at a given time. There is no separate provision for medical leave. The JRF has to seek prior permission before taking leave, by submitting a leave application forwarded through the Research Guide and, in the first year, also the Chairperson of the Academic Committee. Failure to do so or remaining absent from duties without prior permission or over-staying of leave is treated as 'unauthorised absence from work' and proportionate deductions are made from the fellowship amount, in addition to taking disciplinary action for such absenteeism. Hostel facilities are made available to the extent available, on first come first served basis. Those JRFs who are not provided hostel accommodation have to make their own living arrangements. |
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