The department (MCB) has strived to make fundamental discoveries on human and animal welfare. The department has a history of conducting trend-setting research that is best exemplified by the pioneering contributions to the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. MCB is presently the nodal point within the Institute, for research on basic biology of microbial pathogens (bacteria, fungi and viruses), utilizing the tools of cell biology, molecular biology and immunology. The areas of research have been augmented and expanded into other frontier areas such as plant developmental genetics, cancer biology and hierarchical gene regulation and cell signaling. 
 
The   faculty has been successful in mobilizing highly competitive research grants from national agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR, CSIR, UGC, DAE etc., and several international agencies as well as industries. The department has the unique distinction of being recognized as the Centre for Advanced Studies in Molecular Medical Microbiology (ICMR), Centre for Advanced Studies in Molecular Microbiology (UGC) and FIST level II department (DST).

Students with excellent academic records are admitted to the department through a highly competitive procedure for Ph. D. and Integrated Ph. D. programmes.  A large number of postdoctoral researchers are also trained.  Many of our students and postdoctoral fellows have become leading investigators in institutions of eminence within India and abroad.  The department offers courses in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, Advances in Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Oncology and Electron Microscopy for Ph. D. / Integrated Ph. D. students.  In addition, the literature review seminars and the research presentations held every Wednesday are integral components of the student training. The link to Society of Microbiology and Cell Biology provides an idea about such activities. A large number of eminent scientists visit the department every year and deliver lectures. The department has remained young and vibrant due to continuous interaction with short term visitors, research trainees and summer research fellows. The website also provides link to the conferences organized by the faculty and the department.

MCB is a unique department with a blend of very dynamic faculties, students and staff.   I acknowledge the staff, students and  colleagues for their invaluable contribution to the growth and achievements of the department. In the years to come, we hope to see the department in the forefront of pioneering research efforts on infectious diseases and cell biology. Enjoy Browsing! Prof. V. Nagaraja Chairman