Created by Dr. D. Maheswari
Last edited April 30, 2026


Institute of Life Sciences, India
File:Institute of Life Sciences Logo.jpg
MottoSeeking Insights into Life
EstablishedFebruary 11, 1989; 37 years ago (1989-02-11)
Laboratory type
Autonomous Research Institute
Research typeMultidisciplinary research in Life sciences
Field of research
Template:Ulist
DirectorDebasis Dash
Chairperson
Rajesh Sudhir Gokhale
LocationBhubaneswar, Odisha, India
20°18′51″N 85°48′54″E / 20.3140528°N 85.814883°E / 20.3140528; 85.814883
Funded by
Department of Biotechnology
AffiliationsRegional Centre for Biotechnology
Operating agency
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council
Websitewww.ils.res.in

The Institute of Life Sciences, India (ILS) is an autonomous research institute located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha[1] under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for research in the area of cancer biology, infectious disease and plant biotechnology research.[2]

It was established in the year 1989 as an autonomous institute by the Government of Odisha. In 2002 the institute was taken over by Department of Biotechnology, India and was later Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee dedicated the institute to the nation in July 2003.[3][4][5]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute played a crucial role in sequencing and monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 strains.[6] The institute also established several facilities to extend their capability of infectious disease research.[7]

The Institute of Life Sciences is currently ranked 13th in India for Biological science category of Nature Index and 26th for Health Sciences.[8]

The institute has recently signed MoUs with IIT Bhubaneswar and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar to collaborate in human health research and technical education.[9][10]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar | India Science, Technology & Innovation - ISTI Portal". www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in.
  2. "iBRIC-ILS – BRIC".
  3. "A new pact forged to promote advanced research in human health". vigyanprasar.gov.in.
  4. "PIB Press Releases". archive.pib.gov.in.
  5. "Research institute lands in trouble". The Times of India. 3 March 2013.
  6. "Genomics researchers find 20C clade of SARS-CoV-2 specific to Odisha". The New Indian Express. 1 August 2020.
  7. "Dr. Harsh Vardhan hails Scientific Contribution of DBT-ILS on its 32nd Foundation Day". pib.gov.in (Press release).
  8. "Institute of Life Sciences (ILS)". Nature Index.
  9. "IIT Bhubaneswar and ILS Join Forces for Technical Education and Research". The Times of India. 31 May 2024.
  10. HC, Prathibha (6 January 2020). "ILS Bhubaneswar & AIIMS Collaborate For Advanced Research in Human Health". BioTecNika.