A significant stride towards advancing research and fostering collaboration in the realm of biological sciences has been marked with the inauguration of a three-day International Conference on “Emerging Frontiers in Biological Sciences: Focus on Climate Change, Agro Technology, and Entrepreneurship” at the Central Auditorium of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The event commenced on May 15, 2024, graced by esteemed dignitaries and scholars from around the globe.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities including Prof. Mahesh Narayan, Chief of the Biochemistry Division at the University of Texas, El Paso, USA; Prof. S. J. Joshi, Deputy Director of Amity Institute of Microbial Technology; and Prof. GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, among others. Noteworthy collaborations were announced, notably the partnership between the University of Texas, USA, and USTM, underscoring a commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and academic exchange.
Organised by the Department of Botany at USTM in collaboration with Bodoland University and the Botanical Society of Assam, the conference is scheduled from May 15th to 17th, 2024. The event aims to delve into critical themes including climate change, agrotechnology, and entrepreneurship within the sphere of biological sciences.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. GD Sharma emphasised the pivotal role of such conferences in providing avenues for students to engage with emerging areas of research, fostering a culture of application-based education. Over 168 research papers are slated for presentation, reflecting the diverse scope of inquiry within the biological sciences domain.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Prof. Mahesh Narayan lauded the facilities at USTM and expressed eagerness for future collaborations. He highlighted the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in reshaping biotechnology, microbiology, and agro-economy landscapes in regions like India.
In alignment with the conference theme, Prof. S. J. Joshi underscored the intrinsic connection between climate change and agriculture, stressing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address pressing global challenges. He urged students to embrace entrepreneurship as a means to contribute meaningfully to society.
Chancellor of USTM, Mahbubul Hoque, emphasised the conference’s significance in tackling climate change through interdisciplinary frameworks integrating biological sciences, climate science, and engineering.
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The inaugural session also featured insightful addresses from academic stalwarts including Dr Bedabati Choudhury, Dr RK Sharma, Dr Hemen Sarma, Prof. PK Baruah, and Dr R M Kakati, shedding light on various thematic areas to be explored during the conference.
Themes for different plenary sessions encompass a wide spectrum of topics such as biodiversity exploration, community-based conservation, genetic diversity, ethnobiology, ecological sustainability, and biotechnological innovations.
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