Microcosm 1.0 – International Microbiology Conference at JSS AHER deals with pertinent topic

Mysuru: The Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, hosted a two-day International Microbiology Conference, Microcosm 1.0 on the theme, ‘Innovating Microbial Solutions towards a Sustainable Future,’ recently. The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Anil Kaul, Vice-Chancellor of PHFI/IPHS University and Director of the Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad.

Delivering the inaugural address, titled ‘A Few Strategies in Preparation for the Next Pandemic,’ he stressed the importance of preparedness for future pandemics, highlighted the challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and urged the students to champion innovation in microbiology.

Dr. B.M. Thyagaraju, Deputy Adviser for Science & Technology at NITI Aayog, was the guest of honour. He spoke on the role of microbial research in vaccine development and outlined initiatives like India’s National Action Plan on AMR. He underscored the need for AMR surveillance and collaborative strategies to address this critical issue.

The conference souvenir, featuring abstracts from speakers, poster presentations and oral discussions, was released.

Prof. Arun K. Bhunia of Purdue University, USA, commended students’ enthusiasm during the pre-conference workshop, which covered emerging topics like space microbiology. He emphasised the importance of food safety and its far-reaching implications.

Speaking on the conference’s theme, Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa, Vice-Chancellor, JSS AHER, reflected on COVID-19 and its lessons about global challenges, particularly the role of technology and innovation in addressing them.

In his presidential address, Dr. B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor of JSS AHER, explored the fascinating aspects of microbes and antibiotics, touching on microbial ecosystems, antibiotic resistance, drug development, and vaccines.

The event’s organisers, Dr. K.A. Raveesha (Convener), Dr. P. Ashwini (Organising Chairperson) and Dr. Ann Catherine Archer (Organising Secretary), were present.

At the conference, Dr. Kenneth M. Timmis, Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, discussed the International Microbiology Literacy Initiative and its societal impact.

Scientists from premier institutions such as NCCS Pune, Banaras Hindu University, IISER Kolkata, ICAR-IARI New Delhi and NCBS Bangalore delivered keynote addresses and talks on topics like antimicrobial resistance, microbiomes, probiotics, and bioremediation.

Over 300 delegates from across India attended the conference in hybrid mode.