Mangaluru: The Department of Biochemistry under the School of Life Sciences at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised a national conference titled “Biochemistry Connect: Exploring Frontiers in Research and Innovation” at the Robert Sequeira Hall in the LCRI Block.
The conference brought together researchers, academicians, and students from various institutions to discuss recent advances and emerging trends in biochemical research and innovation.
Keynote address highlights importance of scientific dialogue
The Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Dr Ravi Manjithaya, Professor and Chairman of the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit and the Neuroscience Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, delivered the inaugural address.
He emphasised that scientific conferences play a crucial role in nurturing scientific thinking among students and researchers.
According to him, such academic gatherings provide valuable opportunities for students to explore research careers and engage with emerging scientific ideas, thereby strengthening the research ecosystem.
University leadership emphasises academic collaboration
The inaugural session was presided over by Rev. Dr Melwyn D’Cunha SJ, Pro Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
In his presidential address, he highlighted that national conferences serve as important platforms for students, researchers, and faculty members to understand current scientific developments and build academic collaborations.
The programme was also attended by Dr Asha Abraham, Director of the LCRI Block, and Dr Renita D’Souza, Dean of the School of Life Sciences.
Dr Lyned Lasrado, Head of the Department of Biochemistry and convenor of the conference, welcomed the gathering, while Dr Ambarish C. N., Organising Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks.
Sessions explore emerging research themes
In his keynote lecture titled “The Role of Autophagy in Health and Disease,” Dr Ravi Manjithaya explained the significance of Autophagy in maintaining cellular health.
He discussed how cellular recycling mechanisms play a critical role in sustaining cell function and how disruptions in these processes can contribute to diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders.
The conference also featured several technical sessions by eminent speakers from academia and research institutions.
Dr Ramesh S. V., Senior Scientist at ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, delivered a lecture on “Bioactive Molecules to Innovation: Biochemical Profiling of Palms and Cocoa.”
Dr Sebanti Gupta, Assistant Professor at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), spoke on “From Molecular Architecture to Therapeutic Strategy: Biochemical Insights into HIV-1 Gag.”
Meanwhile, Dr Cletus D’Souza, retired Professor from the University of Mysore and Adjunct Professor at St Aloysius University, delivered a session titled “Biochemistry: Powering Innovation and Scientific Breakthroughs.”
Platform for young researchers
The afternoon session featured oral and poster presentations, giving students and research scholars an opportunity to present their work and share ideas with fellow participants and experts.
The conference also saw the participation of industry representatives, adding an applied perspective to the discussions on biochemical research and innovation.
More than 100 participants, including students, research scholars, and faculty members from St Aloysius University and several other institutions from within and outside Karnataka, attended the conference.
The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and academic engagement, reinforcing the university’s commitment to promoting scientific inquiry and innovation in life sciences.
