Background History
Biotechnology was established as a Department of Biotechnology within Yangon Technology University under the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1998. Biotechnology has broad applications across many industries. It has played an important role in the human health and life quality. From 1998 up to the present, the Department of Biotechnology at Yangon Technology University (YTU), Mandalay Technological University (MTU) and Technology University (TU, Kyaukse) has been producing human resources that include Ph.D., master’s degree, science graduates and Diploma. The Department of Biotechnology Research (DBR) functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology in Myanmar, having been established in November 2015. Its headquarters are situated in Kyaukse City, Mandalay Region, Myanmar. DBR’s vision is centered on cultivating a highly skilled workforce proficient in various biotechnology disciplines, and advancing biotechnological processes, designs, techniques, equipment, and solutions with practical applications across agriculture, food production, pharmaceuticals, industry, healthcare services, and environmental sciences.
A range of research laboratories within DBR are dedicated to diverse biotechnological pursuits. These encompass the Pharmaceutical Research Lab, Cell Culture Lab, Molecular Genetics Lab, Food Research Lab, Microbiology Lab, Plant Tissue Culture Lab, Mycology Lab, Environmental Lab, Aquaculture Lab, Plant and Agricultural Biotechnology Lab, as well as specialized Entomology Labs focusing on Mosquitoes and Fruit Flies. The department also includes an Aquaponics and Hydroponics Lab, demonstrating its wide-ranging research interests. DBR’s dedication to sustainability is evident through its focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural products. This includes the development of biofertilizers and biopesticides with enhanced plant growth-promoting microbes, innovative carrier systems, and improved organic fertilizer formulations. The department’s dedication extends to safeguarding both endangered and marketable plant species through micropropagation techniques. In the field of agriculture, the Plant and Agricultural Biotechnology Lab leads the way with mutational breeding strategies, addressing regional challenges like drought tolerance in crops. At the same time, the Food Biotechnology Research Department enhances nourishment by creating enriched food products, while the Pharmaceutical Research Laboratory transforms knowledge into evidence-based scientific solutions. The DBR’s efforts are not limited to its premises; it actively collaborates with national and international organizations, including the IAEA, to establish joint research initiatives. This collaborative approach stimulates innovation and collective progress.
Additionally, DBR extends its knowledge-sharing initiatives to the community and external organizations through Technical and Knowledge Sharing Training programs. By broadening access to research, these efforts stimulate innovation and the generation of novel ideas and products. DBR holds a strong sense of accomplishment as a member of the ASEAN Bio-circular Green Economy network, further showcasing its dedication to regional sustainability objectives. The Acting Director General of DBR also serves as the focal point for Myanmar within the ASEAN Subcommittee on Biotechnology. Notably, research officers from DBR have secured special funding through collaboration with a Chinese university as part of the Lancang-Mekong research initiative.
In summary, the Department of Biotechnology Research is an active part of Myanmar’s scientific landscape. Through its diverse laboratories, focus on sustainability, collaborations, and sharing of knowledge, DBR serves as a driving force for biotechnological advancement, positioned to make significant contributions across various sectors.