Punjab Newsline, Bathinda-
The Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, successfully hosted a Two-Day National Conference on “Multi-Omics to Therapeutics: A Roadmap for Rare Pediatric Disorders” under the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) Mission Program on Rare Pediatric Genetic Disorders. The event drew participation from around 80 delegates representing reputed institutions such as CU Punjab, AIIMS Bathinda, GNDU, LPU, BHU, and AIMSER.
The conference served as a valuable platform for exploring the latest developments in multiomics technologies—genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—and their translational applications in addressing rare pediatric disorders. Participants, including researchers, scholars, and students, expressed high appreciation for the intellectually enriching sessions and meaningful knowledge exchange.
The conference was held under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari and commenced with an inaugural address by Chief Guest Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Manoj Singh Rohilla, Scientist-F at DBT, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in rare disease research. The event featured two keynote plenary lectures—Dr. Moinik Banerjee (Scientist G, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram) delivered a talk on “Complex Route to Rare Disease: An Insight Based on Genetic and Epigenetic Evidences,” and Dr. Ashwin Dalal (Head, Diagnostics, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad) spoke on “Functional Analysis of Significant/Novel Genomic Variants in Rare Diseases.”
During the Valedictory Session, Prof. Anjana Munshi, Conference Coordinator and Director of Research & Development, presented the conference report. She shared that the academic programme featured five thematic sessions on topics such as Clinical Case Studies and Genomic Perspectives, Long-read Sequencing and Metabolic Signatures, Advances in Diagnostics and Pediatric Genetic Care, Preventive Strategies in Rare Disease Management, and Innovations in Vaccination and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. These sessions were supplemented by 10 expert talks from invited speakers, 8 oral presentations, and 24 poster presentations, all of which enabled participants to bridge the gap between benchside discoveries and bedside applications.
Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics, delivered the concluding remarks and emphasized the critical need for interdisciplinary, collaborative research in tackling rare pediatric disorders. He commended the organizing team for successfully bringing together eminent scholars, young researchers, and academicians on a shared platform for dialogue and innovation. Prof. Monisha Dhiman, Director of IQAC, also addressed the participants and reiterated the importance of such conferences in broadening the academic horizons of young minds. She encouraged early-career researchers to think beyond conventional boundaries and pursue real-world scientific solutions.
The conference also hosted competitions for oral and poster presentations to encourage scientific communication among emerging scholars. In the Oral Presentation category, Bhargavi Anuhya Cheekatla won the First Prize, Ajay Kumar secured the Second Prize, and Aakash Gupta bagged the Third Prize. In the Poster Presentation category, Madhu S. Gaddigoudar won First Prize, Debibandita Rout earned the Second Prize, while the Third Prize was shared by Aparna Biswas and Periyasamy R.
Esteemed experts who enriched the conference as invited speakers included Dr. Shashi Kant Dheer (GGSMC, Faridkot), Dr. Arvinder Wander (AIIMS, Bathinda), Dr. Usha R. Dutta (CDFD, Hyderabad), Dr. Anupriya Kaur (PGIMER, Chandigarh), Dr. Pradhant Chhabra (AIIMS, Bathinda), Dr. Vaibhav Upadhayay (Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur), Dr. Jashan Mittal (AIMSER, Bathinda), Dr. Shafaili Gupta (PGIMER, Chandigarh), Dr. Satnam Singh (AIMSER, Bathinda), and Dr. Akshay Nag (CU Punjab, Bathinda).