A Symposium on ‘Translational Research for Society and Sustainability’ was jointly organized by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Bhubaneswar Chapter and KIIT Deemed to be University on 14th and 15th June, 2024. Distinguished dignitaries present included Prof. N. K. Ganguly, Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Prof. N. K. Mehra, Vice President of INSA.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU, emphasized the pivotal role of academia-industry collaborations in driving scientific innovation and societal welfare. Prof. Gopal C. Kundu, Director-R&D, KIIT-DU and the organizing chairman, INSA Symposium, extended a warm welcome to all attendees and highlighted KIIT-DU’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering multidisciplinary research initiatives. Prof. J. R. Mohanty concluded the inaugural program with a vote of thanks.
A large number of INSA fellows, scientists and innovators from academia and industry along with clinicians delivered their talk at the meet. Eminent invited speakers Prof. G. D. Yadav, Padma Shri Awardee and Ex-VC, ICT, Mumbai; Prof. Anil Gupta, Padma Shri Awardee and Visiting Faculty, IIMA & Founder, Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, GIAN & NIF; Prof. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, MoAFW, GoI; Dr. Renu Swarup, Former Secretary DBT; Prof. Chandrima Shaha, Former President, INSA, and others inspired the participants with their insightful lectures.
The Symposium was focused on the promising area related to pre-translational to translational and innovative research in reference to Society and Sustainability. It featured sessions on “Healthcare in Sustainable Society Development”, “Renewable Energy and Ethics”, “Indian Translational Research’s Societal Impact”, “Agriculture & Material Sciences”, “Innovative Research”, etc.
On the occasion, the INSA felicitated Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS. He explained multiple activities of KIIT and KISS to the delegates and appreciated INSA to select KIIT under convenorship of Prof. G. C. Kundu for this local chapter program for next three years. Prof. Samanta also felicitated Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, INSA through virtual mode.