The Central University of Punjab successfully hosted a three-day International Conference on Translational Trends in Natural and Health Sciences (TTNHS 2024), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), DST-SERB, India.
The event welcomed participation from over 350 scientists, researchers, and industry experts from eight countries, including India, the USA, Japan, China, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Hungary. Nationally, the conference featured representatives from premier institutions such as AIIMS, IITs, IISERs, NIPER, the National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), CSIR, and several Central Universities. This conference served as a robust platform for knowledge exchange, featuring six Plenary Lectures, 12 Keynote Lectures, and 39 Invited Lectures by eminent personalities.
During the inaugural session, Patron Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, emphasized on the importance of translational research and expressed firm belief that the conference will serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, inspiring researchers to address global challenges through translational research. The Chief Guest, Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra, Director of the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, commended the university’s proactive efforts in organizing such a significant event.
Each day of the conference began with two Plenary Lectures delivered by distinguished experts, On Day 1, Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra spoke on Genome Technologies, and Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, former Vice Chairman of UGC, discussed Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine for Well-being. On Day 2, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of CU Punjab, presented on Contextualizing the Ancient Indian Education System, and Swami Atmapriyananda, Pro-Chancellor of the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, deliberated on the Science-Philosophy-Spirituality Interface. On Day 3, Prof. Meenu Singh, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Rishikesh, explored the Digital Revolution in Medical Science, and Prof. B.K. Kanaujia, Director, NIT Jalandhar elaborated on Biotelemetry.
International speakers at TTNHS 2024 included renowned experts such as Prof. Steven Castle (USA), Dr. Masako Kinoshita (Japan), Prof. Jian Zhao (China), Prof. Paula Marques (Portugal), Prof. Jose A. Martín Gago (Spain), Prof. Gianluca Tell (Italy), Prof. György Keglevich (Hungary), Prof. Andrea Cavalli (Italy), and Prof. Stefania Butini (Italy). Participants engaged in various sessions, including keynote addresses, invited talks, oral presentations, and poster sessions.
The conference facilitated meaningful discussions on emerging trends and technological advancements in translational research, with a focus on addressing global scientific challenges and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students of CU Punjab actively engaged with visiting think tanks, participating in sessions focused on innovative research themes. As part of the event, a cultural evening was organized, highlighting India's vibrant cultural heritage through captivating performances of folk songs and dances by CU Punjab students.
During the valedictory session Prof. Meenu Singh, Director AIIMS Rishikesh graced as the Chief Guest and Prof. Rajive Kumar, member secretary, AICTE, as Guest of honour. In her address, Prof. Meenu Singh applauded the organizing team for the successful execution of the conference and emphasized the importance of such events in motivating researchers to delve into interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary domains.
Prof. Rajive Kumar commended CU Punjab Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari for hosting conference on such a meaningful topic. He emphasized that these conferences play a crucial role in fostering collaboration between technologists and healthcare professionals while driving innovative, research-based solutions to address regional and global challenges.
On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, along with the esteemed guests, presented awards and certificates to the winners. The valedictory session began with the welcome address by Prof. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean Student Welfare. Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh, Program Co-convener, presented the comprehensive Technical Report of the program.
Towards the end, Prof. Vinod Kumar, Programme Convener along with Dr. Achhe Lal Sharma, Program Co-convener and Treasurers Dr. Somesh Baranwal and Dr. Rakesh Kumar expressed gratitude to the experts, participants, and the organizing team for making the event a grand success.