The National Conference on Frontiers of Biological Sciences: Research, Innovation and Collaboration (FBS 2025) was a significant academic event organized by Department of Botany, B.L.D.E. Association’s S.B. Arts and K.C.P. Science College in Collaboration with Department of Botany, Khaja Bandanawaz University and BLDE (Deemed to be University), Khaja Bandanawaz University held on February 21 & 22, 2025 in Vijayapur. The conference aimed to stimulate innovation and research in biological sciences. It featured keynote addresses, invited talks and presentations from experts across various fields. Topics covered included Plant Science & Seed Technology, Biogeography, Environmental Science, Forestry, Biodiversity & Conservation, Biotechnology & Food Science & Nutrition, Biochemistry &Nanotechnology, Plant Breeding, Mycology & Pathology and Zoology, Fishery & Wildlife Management highlighting advances in addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.
Day 1: 21 February, 2025
The conference commenced with an Inauguration Ceremony at 10:00 AM, presided over by Prof. Y.M. Jayaraj, the Hon'ble Pro-Chancellor of BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapur. The Guest of Honour was Prof. V. S. Bagali, who serves as the Administrative Officer of B.L.D.E. Association, Vijayapur. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ashok. S. Sajjan, Dean (Agri.) and Campus Head at the College of Agriculture, Vijayapur. Dr. Rabiya M Mirdhe, the Principal and Convenor from S.B. Arts and K.C.P. Science College, was also present. Organizing Secretaries included Dr. Ramachandra Naik from S.B. Arts and K.C.P. Science College and Dr. Syed Abrar from Khaja Bandanawaz University. Additionally, Dr. P.S. Patil, the IQAC Coordinator from S.B. Arts and K.C.P. Science College was present.
Inauguration was followed by a Keynote Address by Dr. Ashok S. Sajjan, Dean (Agri) at the College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. His talk, titled “Innovative Frontiers in Plant Science and Seed Technology: Exploring Innovations for Efficiency and Sustainability”, emphasized the critical role of plants in addressing the three major global challenges: food security, energy and environmental sustainability. Dr. Sajjan discussed cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, which is revolutionizing genetic modification in crops, improving yields, drought resistance and pest resistance. He also introduced the concept of vertical farming as a way to optimize urban agriculture, reducing land use and transportation costs. Further, he spoke about tissue culture for precision plant propagation and regenerative agriculture that promotes soil health.
Following this, the first Invited Talk was delivered by Dr. Sanjay Kadlimatti, Principal at BLDE AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Vijayapur, on “Importance of Medicinal Plants”. He elaborated on the vital socio-economic and health benefits of medicinal plants, explaining how plants help improve the environment by mitigating air and sound pollution. He also discussed plants like ginger, Indian gooseberry and black pepper, which not only act as medicines but also enhance immunity. The session focused on the importance of conserving indigenous plants and promoting sustainable cultivation practices. The invited talk was followed by 12 oral presentations from 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM
In the afternoon session, Dr. Vinayaka K. S. from Sri Venkatramana Swamy College, Bantwal, delivered an invited talk on “Cryptogamic Bioresources of India: Diversity, Sustainable Utilization and Conservation”. He discussed the rich diversity of cryptogams, including algae, fungi, lichens and bryophytes, which play essential roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning. Despite their ecological importance, these resources are often underappreciated. Dr. Vinayaka highlighted the need for sustainable practices in utilizing these organisms and emphasized their potential in biotechnological applications such as biofertilizers and bioremediation agents. The invited talk was succeeded by a series of 9 oral presentations, which took place from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM
Dr. Basavaraj S. Hunasagi, Assistant Professor at BLDEA’s Shri Sanganabasava Mahaswamiji College of Pharmacy and Research Centre, delivered the next invited talk titled “Transformative Advances in Pharmacognosy: Integrating Biochemistry and Nanotechnology”. He explored how the convergence of pharmacognosy, biotechnology and nanotechnology is transforming drug discovery and delivery. Dr. Hunasagi emphasized the role of natural bioactive compounds in combating chronic diseases like cancer and antimicrobial resistance. He also highlighted the advances in nanotechnology, which have improved the precision of drug delivery systems, reducing toxicity and enhancing the bioavailability of drugs. The invited talk was followed by a sequence of 12 oral presentations and 32 poster presentations, held from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM
The day concluded with a Cultural Program, providing attendees with a chance to relax and enjoy the local culture, followed by a Dinner.
Day 2: 22 February, 2025
The second day began with an invited talk by Dr. Raghavendra Ramappa from the Talent Development Centre at the Indian Institute of Science, Challakere campus. His talk, “Molecular Mechanisms of Inheritance and Gene Expression: Foundations and Applications in Biotechnology”, covered the fundamental processes of DNA replication, gene transcription and translation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Dr. Ramappa explained how modern biotechnology applications, including recombinant DNA technology, are shaping innovations in agriculture and medicine. He also discussed RNA interference (RNAi) technology for pest control and its potential applications in genetically modified crops like Bt-brinjal. The invited talk was succeeded by a series of 10 oral presentations, which took place from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Dr. Joy Hoskeri, Assistant Professor at the P.G. Department of Studies in Bioinformatics, Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women University, delivered an invited talk on “Exploring the Disease Dynamics and Drug Resistance in Pathogens through a Transcriptomics Approach”. She elaborated on the use of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) as a tool to study gene expression and its role in understanding disease dynamics and drug resistance mechanisms. Dr. Hoskeri discussed the implications of transcriptomics in studying multi-drug resistant pathogens and the identification of novel biomarkers for disease management. The invited talk was followed by a sequence of 12 oral presentations and 30 poster presentations, held from 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM
The final invited talk of the conference was delivered by Dr. M. Thippeswamy from Davangere University, on “Harnessing the Potential of Genomics to Enhance the Production of Climate-Resilient Crop Plants”. He discussed how genomics is used to identify genetic traits in crops that confer resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought, heat and salinity. Techniques like marker-assisted selection and genome editing have enabled the development of climate-resilient crops, ensuring higher productivity even under challenging environmental conditions. Dr. Thippeswamy’s talk underscored the importance of genomics in addressing global food security issues in the context of climate change. The invited talk was followed by 12 oral presentations from2:45 PM to 3:45 PM
The conference concludedwith a Valedictory Session. The conference provided a platform for scientists, researchers and students to exchange ideas, fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation in the biological sciences. During two days of the National Conference, there was 1 key note address followed by 6 Invited talks, 67 oral presentations and 63 Poster Presentations presented by Faculty members, Research Scholars, Under-graduate and Post Graduate students. The delegates were from 47 institutions of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to present their work.
In conclusion, FBS 2025 was a successful event, featuring diverse topics and ground-breaking innovations. The conference not only highlighted the challenges faced in addressing global issues like food security and climate change but also presented cutting-edge solutions through the integration of advanced scientific techniques.
Take away from the event
Diverse Topics and Innovations: The conference featured a wide range of topics including plant science, biotechnology, environmental science and pharmacognosy, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the field and highlighting innovative research and solutions to global challenges like food security and climate change.
Innovative Techniques in Research: The use of advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and genomics was highlighted, emphasizing their roles in understanding disease dynamics, drug resistance and developing climate-resilient crops.
Keynote Address Insights: Dr. Ashok S. Sajjan's keynote address focused on the critical role of plant science in tackling global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability, introducing innovative approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 and vertical farming.
Importance of Medicinal Plants: Dr. Sanjay Kadlimatti emphasized the socio-economic and health benefits of medicinal plants, advocating for their conservation and sustainable cultivation practices.
Sustainable Utilization of Cryptogams: Dr. Vinayaka K. S. discussed the diversity and ecological importance of cryptogamicbioresources, stressing the need for sustainable practices in their utilization and conservation.
Advancements in Pharmacognosy: Dr. Basavaraj S. Hunasagi explored the integration of biochemistry and nanotechnology in pharmacognosy, highlighting its potential in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Molecular Mechanisms of Inheritance: Dr. RaghavendraRamappa's talk covered the fundamental processes of DNA replication and gene expression, showcasing their applications in biotechnology and agriculture.
Collaborative Environment: The conference provided a platform for over 47 institutions to collaborate, share ideas and foster innovation among scientists, researchers and students.
Presentation Opportunities: The event included 67 oral presentations and 63 poster presentations, providing a platform for participants to share their research findings and engage in discussions.
Cultural Engagement: The inclusion of a cultural program allowed attendees to experience local culture, enhancing the overall conference experience and promoting community engagement.
Successful Conclusion: The conference concluded with a valedictory session that celebrated the collective efforts and advancements in biological sciences, reinforcing the importance of continued research and collaboration in addressing global challenges.
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