From 18 to 20 March 2024, SRM University conducted its 3rd international conference at the Habitat Center Delhi on 'Antimicrobial Resistance, Novel Drug Discovery, and Vaccine Development: Challenges and Opportunities.' Around 400 representatives from India and foreign countries participated in the conference. Scientists engaged in the field also spoke and took part in the conference.

The Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya inaugurated the three-day event and appreciated and complimented the organizers for taking up this issue of global importance. He mentioned the fact that the UK, USA, Israel, S. Africa, Canada, Singapore, France, etc. were among the 8 countries, and 2009 Nobel Laureate, Ada Yonath from Israel was the guest of honor.

The phenomenon of microorganisms becoming resistant to the medications used to treat infections they cause is known as Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This causes the medications to be less effective or ineffective. AMR is caused by genetic mutations or misuse of anti-microbial medications and leads to a significant global health threat and diseases that are difficult to treat. It also causes increased mortality rates and higher healthcare costs. It requires a comprehensive approach to tackle the AMR. This includes the responsible utilization of antimicrobials, surveillance, innovative treatments, and cooperation among healthcare sectors and stakeholders. Given the increased difficulties caused by AMR, the need to discover effective medications and create efficient vaccines has become more crucial than ever before.

Senior scientists including Prof Ada Yonath, GP Talwar, Greg Basarab, Tom Blunden, Catrin Moore, and others spoke during the conference. Vice-chancellors and senior officials from leading Indian universities like BHU, etc. also delivered their lectures Papers and posters were also presented by young scholars in separate sessions.

NGOs working for AMR like Toxics Link were also present in the conference. stalwarts like Dr Ashok Rattan, Raj Kumar Halder, Ruhvenile, and others were also invited to participate in the conference by the organizers. They presented their work done in the field during the conference.

Vice-Chancellor of SRM University, Prof Paramjeet S Jaswal welcomed the representatives and addressed the participants. Prof Samuel V Raj, organizing Secretary and dean of SRMUH led the entire endeavor in the realm of AMR. He supervised all the arrangements with his team and interacted with the participants effortlessly.

Attendees were satisfied with the arrangements, the intellectual discussions, and the networking opportunities offered as well.

The conference played an important role in intellectual discourse, promoting collaborations, and finding collaborative solutions in the field of global importance named Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The convergence of scholars from diverse backgrounds enabled them to exchange ideas, forge new intellectual connections, and strengthen their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

In Brief:

SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat organized and conducted the three-day International Conference on “Antimicrobial Resistance, Novel Drug Discovery, and Vaccine Development.' The third conference was conducted from 18 to 20 March 2024 at the Habitat Centre, Delhi. Famous international scientists took part in the conference and around 400 delegates were present in the conference from India and Abroad. Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya inaugurated the conference and emphasized the importance of addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nobel Laureate Ada Yonath was the Guest of Honor at the event. AMR causes a serious global health threat requiring collaborative efforts in the responsible use of antimicrobials, surveillance, and innovative treatments. Senior scientists like Prof Ada Yonath emphasized the urgency of the matter, and younger scholars presented their work. NGOs and industry experts also added valuable insights to the discussion. Facilitating the event, Prof Paramjeet S Jaswal and Prof Samuel V Raj ensured seamless proceedings. The conference provided a crucial platform for intellectual discourse, promoting collaborations, and finding collaborative solutions in the field of AMR for the betterment of humanity.