NT KURIOCITY
The Departments of Microbiology and Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, organised an international seminar on ‘Exploring New Frontiers in Biosciences’ in collaboration with the Microbiologists’ Society, India (MBSI) and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).
Former vice-chancellor of Goa University and former director of the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Satish Shetye, was chief guest at the
inaugural function.
The college administrator Fr. Antonio Salema hailed the seminar as a platform for scientists, academicians, industry personnel, research scholars, and students to discuss emerging trends and innovative breakthroughs in science and technology.
College principal and head of Department of Microbiology, Ursula Barreto, highlighted the seminar’s significance in fostering inter-disciplinary collaborations.
The convenor of the seminar and assistant professor in Microbiology, Trelita de Sousa, stated that the seminar was aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which provided a blueprint to address planetary challenges like the emergence of infectious diseases, climate change,
and biodiversity loss.
The seminar witnessed dean, International Programmes and Collaboration Division, Department of Biological Sciences, BITS-Pilani, Srikanth Mutnuri discussing the Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (VFCW) as nature-based solutions for Decentralised Wastewater Treatment while Shetye spoke on the impact of the summer monsoons on the Indian estuarine ecosystems and biodiversity. He especially highlighted the significance of Goa’s Mandovi and Zuari estuaries in nutrient cycling and management of coastal environments.
Head in charge, Department of Microbiology, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu, Prabu D., delivered two sessions on the applications of nanotechnology in microbiology and the use of animal models for quality research in life sciences, emphasising the crucial role of microbiologists in the understanding of complex biological processes and advancing therapeutic innovations.
Associate pro-vice-chancellor (Education Quality and Enhancement), Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, U.K., Momna Hejmadi, held two sessions on the transformative role of AI in driving scientific breakthroughs in health and technology. He also spoke on the career opportunities
in biosciences.
Over 200 participants from across the globe including Australia, Germany, India, U.K., and the U.S. were present at the event. The participants presented their ideas and research through scientific posters and interactive oral presentations. Florence Pereira from Kingston University, London, bagged the Best Poster Presentation and Yuga Ghotge from BITS Pilani, Goa won Best Oral Presentation. The seminar culminated with a short cultural programme by the students of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.
