The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is a premier virus research laboratory in India under aegis of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) having a primary mandate of studying viral diseases in India as an integrated platform. This includes hybrid interfacing of cutting edge research technology of basic sciences and direct applications in areas of public health importance in relation to viral diseases in the Indian context.
Research at NIV has not only provided strategic information in various interdisciplinary aspects of virology in critical areas like diagnostics, vaccines but also led to the discovery of many novel viruses like Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus, Chandipura virus.
NIV is an extremely dynamic organization having a state-of-the art research infrastructure including animal experimentation facilities, modern molecular virology-immunology platforms, advanced electron microscopy application-base, state-of-the art diagnostic facilities, vector biology facilities (from field studies to molecular genetics), BSL-3 facility and a dedicated interdisciplinary faculty of more than 40 scientists. This provides a unique environment at NIV for both teaching and training of virology at par with international standards in India
M. Sc Virology is a focused, unique, need oriented and flexible postgraduate course for cultivating and developing adequately trained human resource in virology for academy, industry and health sectors. Virology is an important interdisciplinary science integrating both basic and applied aspects in the areas of infectious diseases and public health. To develop the manpower capable of understanding and implementing the theoretical and practical aspects of virology is a policy of Indian Council of Medical Research. Government of India has also decided to increase its investment in health sector. Internationally India is emerging leader as health provider. Additional manpower is needed in this sector. National Institute of Virology is an affiliated Institute of University of Pune.