A three-day International Conference on Translational Trends in Natural and Health Sciences (TTNHS 2024) commenced at the Central University of Punjab on December 4, 2024. Organized by the university in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology, and SERB India, this event has brought together over 350 participants, including scientists, faculty, researchers, students, and industry experts from India and abroad.
The conference focuses on cutting-edge advancements in translational research across disciplines such as Chemical, Physical, Mathematical, Biological, and Health Sciences. The inaugural ceremony featured the lamp lightning, watering of plants and release of Abstract Booklet by Patron Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari (Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab), Chief Guest, Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra (Director, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society), Guests of Honour Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan (Former Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission), Guests of Honour Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi (Director, Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, Mohali), Special Guest Prof. Jai Rup Singh (Founder Vice-Chancellor, CU Punjab) and International Experts Prof. Steven Castle (USA), Dr. Masako Kinoshita (Japan), and Prof. Jian Zhao (China).
At the outset, Prof. Vinod Kumar, Programme Convener, welcomed the participants and shared inspirational messages forwarded by eminent dignitaries, including Hon’ble Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Education Minister of India Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Hon’ble Chancellor Prof. Jagbir Singh. These leaders urged participants to leverage TTNHS 2024 as a platform for contributing to a sustainable and healthier future.
The Chief Guest Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra, in his keynote address, described TTNHS 2024 as a vibrant platform for sharing expertise and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. He emphasized that the conference serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, particularly in the context of advancing genomic technologies. In his lecture, titled “Genome Technologies: From One Health to Novel Therapeutics,” Dr. Mishra detailed the transformative potential of genome editing and sequencing technologies in addressing global health challenges.
In his presidential address, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, emphasized that TTNHS 2024 is dedicated to fostering transformative innovations while inspiring and empowering researchers to address global challenges through translational learning. He highlighted that the conference represents a significant step toward achieving scientific excellence and translating research into real-world solutions for global health and environmental issues.
Prof. Tiwari reiterated the university’s commitment to bridging theoretical research with practical applications, guided by the motto "Jai Anusandhan." He also reflected on Punjab’s rich historical knowledge legacy, emphasizing that its ancient glory can be revitalized by blending traditional wisdom with modern science in alignment with the principles of translational research and the implementation of NEP-2020.
Prof. Patwardhan presented on “Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine for Well-being,” while Prof. Tripathi discussed “Understanding and Exploitation of Carotenoid Biosynthetic Pathway for Heterologous Production of Plant Secondary Metabolites in Azospirillum brasilense.”
The distinguished personalities who graced the inaugural ceremony include Prof. Kiran Hazarika, Pro Vice-Chancellor; Prof. R.K. Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics; Prof. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean Student Welfare; Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar and other officials of university.
Day one of TTNHS 2024 included two plenary sessions, nine technical sessions, and a vibrant cultural program. Over the next two days, global experts will engage in discussions aimed at transformative innovations and inspiring the next generation of researchers to address critical global challenges.