The Department of Biochemistry at the Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda recently organized a National Symposium on Aspects of Biochemistry, bringing together eminent scientists, professors and students to discuss the fascinating world of biochemistry and its importance in addressing global challenges. Collected to learn about character.
The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor of MS University of Baroda, who delivered an inspiring presidential address. Professor Srivastava urged the students to use their creativity in innovative solutions emphasizing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and explore new uses for plastics.
Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Haribhai Kataria extended a warm welcome to the audience and highlighted the significant contribution of the Faculty of Science to the overall performance of the University. Prof. C. Ratnaprabha, Coordinator and Head, Department of Biochemistry, shared insights into the diverse research activities of the department and highlighted the theme and objectives of the symposium. He also thanked Professor Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi, for providing the opportunity for the special issue of IJBB.
The symposium featured a prestigious line-up of eminent scientists and professors from across India. Prof. Harish Padh, former Vice-Chancellor, Sardar Patel University, VV Nagar, Gujarat, introduced the Alumni Association of the Department of Biochemistry and the CVR Lecture Series, ushering in an intellectually stimulating event.
After the opening session, the symposium moved into various plenary sessions. Prof. Jayant B. Udgaonkar, a noted structural biologist and former director of IISER, Pune, delivered an insightful lecture on ‘How do prion proteins misfold?’ The topic, which explores the fascinating intricacies of protein folding, was chaired by Prof. Harish Padh and co-chaired by Dr. NK Prasanna of CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi.
Dr. Prasanna provided an overview of NIScPR’s journals and emphasized its commitment to open access, offering 16 research journals in various scientific fields free of charge without publication fees or access charges. They also shed light on important aspects of protein folding and the implications of misfolding and refolding in diseases.
Prof. Nanda Kishore from IIT Bombay, a distinguished biophysicist and structural biologist, shared his expertise on ‘Molecular functionalities in inhibiting protein fibrillation – a quantitative biophysical approach’. Dr. Rajesh Patkar, also from IIT Bombay and an expert in host-pathogen interactions, gave an interesting talk on ‘Small Secretory Proteins with Important Tailoring Functions during Fungal Pathogenesis’.
In the concluding session, Prof. C. Ratnaprabha, event coordinator, provided a comprehensive summary of the symposium’s key points and its overall significance in advancing the field of biochemistry. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Prabha, Head, Department of Biochemistry, MS University, Vadodara, Baroda.
First Published: 24 Sep 2023, 08:34 IST