NIT Rourkela Hosts Int'l Conference On 'Biological Innovation, Technology, Engineering & Sciences'

Rourkela, Dec 19: The International Conference on 'Biological Innovation, Technology, Engineering, and Sciences (BITES-2024) began at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela on Wednesday. In collaboration with the NIT Uttarakhand, the three-day event (December 18-20, 2024) is hosted by the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Rourkela.

The theme of the conference is 'The Future of Biological Innovation.'

The proceedings began with a welcome address by Prof. Ravi Kant Avvari, Convenor from NIT Rourkela, who emphasized the conference's unique opportunity to connect with leading experts and contribute to advancements in biological innovation.

Following this, Prof. Dharmendra Tripathi, Convenor from NIT Uttarakhand, provided a detailed overview of the event, noting that the conference has received 100 research abstracts. He highlighted the participation of 60 attendees in person and 40 online, with around 50 keynote speakers from USA, Egypt, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, and reputed Indian institutions such as IITs, NITs, and central universities.

Chief Guest Prof. Dhirendra S. Katti (Director of IIT Goa) stated, "We, as a scientific community, must conduct research that leads to meaningful societal advancements and nation-building. It is essential to integrate application-based approaches into academic research, perhaps dedicating a thesis chapter to this perspective."

Prof. Katti further emphasized, "Biological sciences are uniquely positioned to address critical issues ranging from human health to environmental sustainability. Consistent funding from central/state science departments and private organizations, emphasizes the growing importance of this field, providing immense opportunities for impactful work. I urge researchers to align their work with the anticipated societal needs of the next 10-20 years, ensuring that innovation propels both national and global development."

Guest of Honor Prof. Bidyut K. Mohanty (VCOM College, USA), spoke about the importance of passion, perseverance, and patience in a researcher's journey. He advised, "Researchers should strive to be both presentable and predictable in their areas of expertise, as these qualities are crucial for making impactful contributions to the field."

Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, remarked, "The human body remains one of the greatest mysteries of life, presenting both challenges and opportunities in the field of biosciences. While current medicines or medical devices manage or control diseases, we are yet to develop treatments that provide complete cures. Innovation in biosciences holds the potential to revolutionize healthcare."

Prof Rao further praised the conference as an excellent platform for promoting collaborations that could redefine the frontiers of bioscience and bioengineering, encouraging impactful solutions for a better future.

Prof. Swadesh Kumar Pratihar, Dean of SRICCE at NIT Rourkela, encouraged attendees to leverage biological science for developing sustainable technologies and improving human life.

Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar of NIT Rourkela, highlighted the institute's commitment to research excellence and innovation, collaborative projects and successful startups incubated on campus.

Prof. Devendra Verma, Head of the Department, mentioned that faculty and students from the department are actively shaping their research outputs into patents and entrepreneurial ventures, driving significant advancements in innovation and industry applications.

The event also featured a Souvenir Release for BITES-2024 and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Co-Convenor Prof. Prasoon Kumar.