Evolving paradigms in biotechnology

N T Features

The Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, conducted a two-day International Virtual Conference on ‘Evolving Paradigms in Biotechnology: Combating Contemporary Challenges’ (ICEPB) in collaboration with KSCSTE - Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, supported by DBT Star College Scheme on April 1 and 2, 2022.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr K P Mohanakumar, Director, Inter-University Center for Biomedical Research and Super Speciality Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, pointed out the significance of comprehending biotechnology and its relevance in a global perspective.

Dr Mohanakumar, highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the common multitude and addressed the combined efforts of both the public and private sectors in developing viable solutions and digital tools to adapt to the changing world. He also utilized the opportunity to pay homage to healthcare professionals and educational institutes who constantly strive to bridge the gap between economic advancements and the unthinkable effects on mankind. “India, as a country, would benefit by facilitating a place that augments brilliant minds through enhancing research on biotechnology,” added Dr Mohanakumar.

During the felicitation, Dr Ramesh Kumar KB, Principal Scientist, PhytoChemistry & Phytopharmacology Division, KSCSTE- JNTBGRI spoke about the challenges brought on by COVID 19 pandemic and the pivotal role biotechnology had in the last two years and its effects in realtime. “To effectively provide for viable solutions to maintain balance in the ecosystem, biodiversity is a need of the hour. Conservation and sustainability has witnessed a myriad of changes that incorporate multiple resources with the help of intervention and research,” added Dr Ramesh Kumar.

Delivering the presidential address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College noted that the unique theme of the conference and its contemporary relevance in the field of biotechnology has an enormous impact in shaping and making a world that creates a cradle that utilises effective means to provide sustainable healthcare.

The conference featured five plenary sessions handled by internationally renowned scientists and three paper presentation sessions. The conference due to the uniqueness in the scientific themes was well received by the scientific community. ICEPB’ 22 received more than 40 research papers from across the country for the conference.

The conference aimed at bringing together scientists, academicians, research scholars, and graduates in the field of Life Sciences to lead deliberations on the emerging trends, and latest innovations in Biotechnology that helps tackle contemporary issues in the domains of healthcare, medicine, agriculture, food, environmental sustainability, and remediation, amongst others.