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KIIT Hosts 8th International Conference on Translational Research (8th ICTR), 2025
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KIIT Hosts 8th International Conference on Translational Research (8th ICTR), 2025
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KIIT Hosts 8th International Conference on Translational Research (8th ICTR), 2025
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KIIT Hosts 8th International Conference on Translational Research (8th ICTR), 2025
KIIT, in association with the Indian Society of Translational Research (ISTR), hosted the 8th International Conference on Translational Research (ICTR 2025). The theme of the conference was “Bridging Discoveries to Solutions: Advancing Translational Research.” The three-day event was held from December 12 to 14, 2025.
The conference was organized under the leadership of Prof. Gopal C. Kundu, Director, Research and Development, KIIT-DU. Established in 2013, ISTR brings together scientists, clinicians, nutrition experts, traditional medicine practitioners, and industry leaders to promote the development of new tools, medicines, diagnostics, and technologies for improved healthcare, clean energy, water management, and waste handling. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, ISTR aims to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. This was the eighth conference in the series, following seven successful editions held since 2014 in cities such as Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Goa, Pune, and New Delhi.
The conference commenced with a grand Inaugural Session. In his welcome address, Prof. Gopal C. Kundu highlighted KIIT’s advancements in translational research. Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU emphasized the pivotal role of academia in fostering innovation. The Presidential Address by Prof. N. K. Ganguly, offered visionary insights into future health policies. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. J. R. Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT. This was followed by an engaging Plenary Talk by Prof. Raghu Kalluri from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, who discussed preventive oncology through the lens of healthy living and aging.
A Special Session featured Prof. Robert (Bob) Weinberg from the Whitehead Institute/MIT, USA, who spoke on the origins of cancer. The session was introduced by Prof. Kundu and concluded by Dr. Debasis Dash, Director, BRIC-ILS, Bhubaneswar. The day concluded with a vibrant Cultural Program showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage, followed by a networking dinner.
The conference witnessed participation from eminent experts including Prof. Aoife Gahlawat (Germany), Prof. Debabrata Chakravarti (Northwestern University, USA), Prof. Heike Allgayer (Germany), Prof. Georg Weber (USA), Prof. N. K. Ganguly (ISTR President and Former Director General, ICMR), Prof. Xingzhi Xu (Shenzhen University, China), Dr. Subhra Chakraborty (Former Director, NIPGR, New Delhi), Dr. Sudeep Gupta (Director, TMC, Mumbai), Prof. Partha P. Majumder (Distinguished Professor, John C. Martin Centre for Liver Research & Innovation, Kolkata), Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari (Secretary General, IAAM, Sweden), Prof. Subrata Sinha (National Chair Professor, AIIMS, New Delhi), Prof. Arindam Maitra (Deputy Director, BRIC-NIBMG, Kolkata), Dr. C. V. Srikanth (BRIC-RCB, Faridabad), Prof. N. K. Mehra (Advisor, Research, KIMS, KIIT and Former Professor, AIIMS, New Delhi), Prof. Ashok Sharma (AIIMS, New Delhi), Dr. Debasis Dash (Director, BRIC-ILS, Bhubaneswar), Prof. Surajit Sinha (IACS, Kolkata), Dr. Manas Santra (BRIC-NCCS, Pune), Dr. Vivek Tiwari (IISER, Berhampur), Dr. Arun Kumar (Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna), Dr. Manjusha Dikshit (NISER, Bhubaneswar), Dr. Amit Ghosh (AIIMS, Bhubaneswar), Dr. Anushya Raychoudhury (IIT, Bhubaneswar), along with many other experts from KIIT-DU and institutions across the country.
The scientific sessions covered emerging treatment strategies, innovative research approaches, technological advancements, and diagnostics related to cancer and other diseases, with a focus on improving healthcare management. The discussions generated vibrant interactions and fostered new collaborations. Stimulating panel discussions addressed national and international research activities, funding landscapes, next-generation cancer therapies, and issues related to cancer-specific drug resistance. Additionally, six students were awarded Best Poster Awards in recognition of their outstanding research contributions.