International Conference on “Exploring New Horizons in Biotechnology (ENB 2023)”

Varanasi। School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, is organizing a three-day International Conference on “Exploring New Horizons in Biotechnology (ENB 2023)” and a mini symposium on “Recent Advances in Biotechnological Innovations (RABI-2023)” from 10-12 February 2023. The conference was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Prof. Ramesh V. Sonti (Director, ICGEB, New Delhi) and Dr. Alka Sharma (Senior Advisor, DBT & MD, BIRAC) on Friday at the Mahamana Hall of Institute of Science.
The inaugural session started with a welcome address by Prof. Pratyoosh Shukla (Convener, ENB-2023 & Coordinator, School of Biotechnology, BHU), in which he underlined the salient features of the conference and discussed the role of Biotechnology and new innovations for start-up and entrepreneurship. This was followed by an address by Prof. Anil. K. Tripathi (Chairman, ENB- 2023 & Director, Institute of Science, BHU) in which he welcomed the alumni and emphasised the role of Biotechnology in human welfare at the time of Covid19 pandemic.
Prof. Madhoolika Agrawal, Dean, Institute of Science, elaborated the role of Biotechnology in various areas such as therapeutics, GM crops, Bioremediation and waste management and the role it is playing in uplift of the society. The Abstract Book cum Souvenir of ENB-2023 was also released on the occasion.
The inaugural message was delivered by Dr. Alka Sharma, ‘Guest of Honor’ in which she shared her experience in BHU as a student. She emphasized the role of Biotechnology in “Swastha Bharat Abhiyan” and “Make In India” initiative for indigenous vaccine development in India. It was followed by a presidential address by Prof. V.K. Shukla, Hon’ble Rector, BHU in which he deliberated upon the role of Biotechnology in vaccine development during Covid 19 pandemic and how it saved the lives of people.

A keynote lecture entitled ‘Application of biotechnological tools in developing disease resistant crops’ was delivered by Prof. Ramesh V. Sonti, in which he discussed methods for generation of disease resistant crops. A vote of thanks was given by Dr. Samarendra Kumar Singh. The session concluded with a cultural programme organized by the students of School of Biotechnology under the guidance of Dr. Amiya Kumar Samal, Student Advisor, ISc, BHU.