National Conference on “Trends in Multidisciplinary Research: Challenges and Applications”

Date: 15th & 16th May 2024

The Department of Sciences, MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, organized a two-day National Science Conference on “Trends in Multidisciplinary Research: Challenges and Applications” on 15th and 16th May 2024 at the Dr. Abdul Kalam Auditorium. The conference aimed to bring together a diverse community of active researchers from across India, fostering an environment conducive to learning, collaboration, networking, and the exchange of innovative ideas across scientific domains.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by the Principal, Dr. Vatsala G, followed by an insightful overview of the conference objectives by Dr. Pushpa H, Vice-Principal and Convener of the conference. The release of the conference proceedings marked a major milestone, highlighting scholarly contributions from various disciplines. The dignitaries felicitated the Chief Guest, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CFTRI Mysuru, and the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Shankar Narayana Rao, Registrar, NIMHANS Bengaluru, whose expertise in food technology, neuroscience, and stress-related disorders greatly enriched the sessions. A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Lakshmikanth R N, Head, Department of Biotechnology, acknowledging the collaborative spirit and contributions of all participants.

The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from 9 universities and 15 colleges across Karnataka, including prestigious institutions such as ICAR, JSS, and CSIR. Additionally, it drew participants from outside the state—Calcutta, Lucknow, Pune, and Mumbai. The conference also had international engagement, with contributions from an alumnus pursuing studies at the University of Massachusetts, USA, and an abstract submission from the University of Sri Lanka, adding global perspectives to multidisciplinary research discussions.

Pre-Conference Workshop – TEMA 2024

Date: 6th November 2024

A Pre-Conference Workshop for the International Conference on Trace Elements in Man and Animals (TEMA) was held on 6th November 2024 at the Abdul Kalam Auditorium, MSRCASC–Autonomous. Serving as an academic precursor to the main event, the workshop introduced students, faculty, and research scholars to the importance of trace elements in human and animal health. The program featured invited expert lectures and a poster competition, with a total of 170 participants.

The workshop began with the Ramaiah Anthem, invocation, and lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Principal Dr. Pushpa H. The keynote sessions included talks by Dr. K. Sandeep Prabhu on the biochemical role of trace elements, Dr. N. K. Shivakumar Gowda on micronutrients in farm animals, and Dr. Girish Kirimanjeshwara on the relationship between trace elements and immunity.

A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Soumya Shanbhag, acknowledging the support of the management and organizing committee.

Post-lunch, a poster competition with 98 entries from various institutions was held, judged by internal and external experts. The event provided excellent academic exposure and fostered scientific discussion.

Overall, the Pre-Conference Workshop TEMA 2024 was a successful and enriching platform for learning, interaction, and research engagement.

TEMA18: 18th International Conference on Trace Elements in Man and Animals

Dates: 8th – 12th November 2024

The 18th International Conference on Trace Elements in Man and Animals (TEMA18) was held for the first time in India from 8th to 12th November 2024. The conference was hosted by M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, in association with Pennsylvania State University, USA, under the aegis of the Ramaiah Group of Institutions.

The inaugural session on 8th November 2024 was presided over by Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Hon’ble Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation (GEF). Dr. P. R. Krishnaswamy, distinguished medical scientist and former Director of Mallya Hospital, was the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included Prof. Xingen Lei, Chairperson of the TEMA Parent Committee, Cornell University, USA, and Dr. Sridevi A. Singh, Director, CSIR–CFTRI, Mysuru. The event was attended by senior leadership of GEF, eminent academicians, scientists, and researchers from India and abroad.

The conference featured keynote addresses by internationally acclaimed scientists such as Prof. K. Sandeep Prabhu (Pennsylvania State University, USA) and Prof. Vadim N. Gladyshev (Harvard Medical School, USA), who emphasized the critical role of trace elements—particularly selenium—in immunity, aging, and disease prevention.

TEMA18 served as a global platform for scientific deliberation and collaboration, significantly contributing to advancements in trace element research and reinforcing India’s growing presence in international scientific forums.