National News 2024-12-10

The Transformative Potential of Academic and Industry Collaboration: A Need of the Hour - Prof. Ravichandran V., Vice-Chancellor

Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief - Delhi

Under the adept leadership of Prof. Harvinder Popli, an international conference on the theme "Industry Innovation and Commercialization" commenced, gathering global luminaries to steer pharmaceutical research. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU) and the DPSRU Innovation and Incubation Foundation (DIIF), was designed to foster innovation and advance healthcare research.

Day 1: Industry Innovation and Commercialization

The inaugural day of the conference focused on bridging education, industry, and government by attracting a distinguished panel of experts. It provided a platform for deliberations on translating cutting-edge research into healthcare advancements.

Grand Opening Ceremony: A Celebration of Innovation

The inaugural session, held from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, reaffirmed DPSRU and DIIF’s commitment to promoting innovation in pharmaceutical research. Prof. Harvinder Popli, Co-Convenor, Professor at DPSRU, and Director of DIIF, delivered the welcome address, setting an inspiring tone and vision for the event. This was followed by remarks from Prof. P.K. Sahu, Registrar of DPSRU, who shared his aspirations for the success of the program.

Prof. Ravichandran V. (Vice-Chancellor, DPSRU, and Chairman, DIIF) Highlights the Transformative Potential of Academic-Industry Collaboration

Prof. Ravichandran emphasized the urgent need for creative efforts to harness the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry.

Keynote Address: Strategic Priorities for Biotechnology Integration

Dr. Manish Diwan (Head, Biofoundry, NCR Biotech Cluster, and Mission Director, Make in India Biotech Sector, Department of Biotechnology) delivered the keynote address. He outlined strategic priorities for integrating biotechnology innovations into national healthcare services.

Program Conclusion and Networking Opportunities

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Meenakshi Garg, Conference Coordinator, who appreciated the valuable contributions of speakers and participants.

A brief networking break provided participants with the opportunity to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations across various fields and disciplines.

Panel Discussion: Bridging Research and Innovation in Healthcare Startups

A panel discussion titled "Transforming Research into Healthcare Startups" was held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Moderated by Dr. Anasuya Roy (Founder, NanoSafe Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), the panel featured prominent speakers, including:

• Ms. Arushi Jain, Akkam’s Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

• Dr. Pooja Sharma, CEO, APAR Health.

• Dr. Subramaniam Natesan, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, NIPER Kolkata.

• Mr. Rajeev Duggal, Director, Skinzation Pharmacos Pvt. Ltd.

The panel discussed challenges and opportunities in transforming academic research into commercial ventures, innovation-driven funding strategies, and the development of a robust startup ecosystem.

Networking Lunch: Strengthening Connections

The networking lunch provided a platform for participants to share ideas and establish new collaborations.

From Bench to Market: Commercialization Challenges

Dr. Ashish Arora (Senior Manager, Formulation, Sun Pharmaceuticals) delivered an insightful talk on "From Bench to Market: Key Considerations." He emphasized the role of regulatory compliance and a patient-centric approach in navigating the journey from research to commercialization.

Technical Sessions: Advanced Research Insights

1. PBPK Models for Generic Drug Development:

Dr. Rajkumar M. presented innovative approaches to generic drug development using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models.

2. Probiotic Research in Gastrointestinal Injury:

Dr. R.K. Rao highlighted the role of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal radiation injuries.

Poster Presentations and Dialogue: Showcasing Innovation

The final session included poster presentations evaluated by representatives from Auburn University, fostering global research partnerships. Both events served as platforms to showcase innovation and strengthen international collaborations.

Day One of the International Conference Concludes with a Strong Commitment to Innovation

The first day of the international conference laid a solid foundation for advancing innovation and collaboration in the fields of pharmaceutical research and commercialization. Participants engaged in a variety of sessions, panel discussions, and poster presentations, providing opportunities not only to expand their knowledge but also to engage in meaningful dialogues with experts from diverse fields and backgrounds.

The day commenced with an inspiring inaugural ceremony, where the top leadership of DPSRU and DIIF shared their vision. Expert speakers emphasized the importance of translating academic research into real-world applications through their insights and experiences.

From the opening session to panel discussions and technical presentations, all events motivated participants to comprehend the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical research and actively contribute to its progress.

The poster presentation session served as a platform for budding researchers and students to showcase their innovative concepts. Expert evaluations provided encouragement and constructive feedback to help participants refine their work further.

Additionally, dialogues between the faculty of DPSRU and representatives from Auburn University opened new avenues for international collaboration and partnerships in research.

The closing session of the first day underscored a robust commitment to innovation, setting the stage for continued exploration and engagement in pharmaceutical research and its applications.

DPSRU Media Coordinator Highlights Success of Day One

At the conclusion of the first day, Dr. Madhu Gupta, Media Coordinator of DPSRU, along with her team, briefed Bureau Chief Vijay Gaur on the conference's successful achievement of its objectives. Dr. Gupta emphasized that the inaugural day provided an impactful platform to harmonize academic research, industry needs, and government policies.

The first day not only highlighted DPSRU’s expertise and leadership but also established it as a hub for fostering global research and innovation efforts. Participants lauded the inspiring start and expressed enthusiasm for the activities and discussions planned for the second day.