Genomics for a better tomorrow as national conference at Centurion University ignites innovation and collaboration

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, DECEMBER 12, 2025

A two-day national conference on “Translational Advances in Genomics and Molecular Science”, sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), Government of India, was organized by the Department of Zoology, School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Bhubaneswar. The event brought together eminent scientists, researchers, and academicians to discuss transformative developments shaping the future of genomics and molecular biology.

The conference was inaugurated by Professor Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor of Centurion University, who urged participants to share ideas, collaborate, and inspire young scholars. She emphasized that cutting-edge innovations in genomics and molecular science hold the key to addressing global challenges related to sustainability and human well-being.

Dr. Debasis Dash, Director of BRIC–Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the profound impact of genomics on modern healthcare and its role in solving major societal challenges. Guest of Honour, Dr. Sashi Kanta Dash, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Odisha, encouraged the scientific community to focus on novel ideas and skill development, especially in the emerging field of microbial genomics.

The conference featured a distinguished array of invited speakers, including Dr. Mahitosh Mandal from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; Professor Samir Kumar Patra from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela; Dr. Dileep Vasudevan from BRIC–Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology; Dr. Rajeeb Kumar Swain and Dr. Tushar Kanta Beuria from BRIC–Institute of Life Sciences; Dr. Manoranjan Ranjit, retired scientist from ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar; Dr. Ganesh Chauhan from Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi; Dr. Prasanta Kumar Maiti from ABGENEX; Dr. Sonil Nanda from Dalhousie University, Canada; Dr. Trupti Das from CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar; Dr. Senthil Kumar Muthappa from BRIC–National Institute of Plant Genome Research; Dr. Santosh Kumar from CSIR–Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad; and Dushyant Singh Baghel from Nucleome Informatics Private Limited, Mumbai. Their lectures provided valuable insights into the applications of molecular genomics in addressing pressing biological and healthcare challenges.

Conference Convener Dr. Gagan Kumar Panigrahi, Chairman Professor Susanta Kumar Biswal, and Organizing Secretary Dr. Sunita Satapathy addressed the gathering during the inaugural session, stressing the growing significance of molecular genomics research in modern scientific pursuits.

During the valedictory session, Professor Aditya Prasad Dash served as the Chief Guest and shared his perspectives on enhancing Research and Development practices at the university level. He highlighted the need for increased collaboration, strengthened research capacity, and expanded investment in translational science.

The conference concluded with a strong call to action, urging national-level cooperation and greater emphasis on capacity-building to drive impactful research. The event successfully created a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and reinforced the vital role of genomics and molecular science in delivering meaningful societal benefits.