About the Conference
We are just emerging from a global pandemic. The first question we ask ourselves, is how do we ensure that humanity does not go through this again? Can we ensure this? How can we be prepared for pandemics? If so, what role does science play here?
We live in the Anthropocene, an era dominated by humans. Changing landscapes, and the associated changes in species, communities and their distributions can lead to zoonotic spillover. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary drivers for spillover, and building predictive models to understand spillover dynamics is clearly important. At the same time, continued surveillance to understand changes in trends of re-emerging zoonoses is critical. Finally, response to outbreaks, through epidemiological studies and vaccine development is critical. In summary, pandemic preparedness requires a suite of disciplines, interdisciplinary skills and quantitative frameworks. Unfortunately, such integrative approaches are relatively rare in India, especially with regards to ecology and evolution.
We are organizing a day-long symposium that brings talks that focus on three themes: ecology and evolution, surveillance and outbreak investigation and response. We would wrap up the day with a panel discussion, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and discuss their thoughts.
The Audience
If you are an enthusiastic scholar interested to know more about ecology, conservation and its links with outbreak of zoonotic pandemics, you would definitely benefit listening to the speakers who have long experience in the field. The one-day symposium aims to provide the platform to deliberate and understand the changing ecological landscape. It will connect aspiring researchers, scientists who are involved in this area of research.
We invite Master students, PhD scholars and Scientists to join us in this symposium and contribute in shaping strategies for the management of future epidemics.
Theme Areas
Surveillance
Surveillance enhances early detection, a cornerstone in epidemic prevention and management.
Outbreaks
Outbreak response hinges on swift intervention, mitigating global health threats effectively.
The future of Zoonotic Research in India
Anticipate zoonotic risks, ensuring proactive measures for future pandemic preparedness.
Organizers
Prof. Virander Singh Chauhan, SPSF
Dr. Uma Ramakrishnan, NCBS
Dr. B. Ravindran, ILS
Dr. Rajeeb K. Swain, ILS
Dr. Mamoni Dash, ILS
Dr. Amit Nasa, Sun Pharma Science Foundation
Speakers
Dr. Pranav Pandit
University of California
Dr. Guha Dharmarajan
Krea University
Dr. Farah Ishtiaq
The TATA Institute of Genetics and Society (TIGS)
Dr. Pragya Yadav
National Institute of Virology (NIV)
Dr. Arun Zacharia
Forest Department, Govt of Kerala
Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora
Inclen Trust
Dr. Sanjay Singh CEO
Gennova Bio
Schedules
9th February 2024
Registration
Welcome Address, Director, ILS
About the Sun Pharma Science Foundation, Dr. Amit Nasa
About the symposium, Dr B. Ravindran
Session 1 : Ecology: Moderator - Dr. B. Ravindran
Dr. Pranav Pandit, University of California, Davis, USA
From Patterns to Predictions: Early Warning Signals in Disease Systems for Forecasting Emerging Viral Threat
Dr Guha Dharmarajan, Krea University, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh
Disease dynamics in the Anthropocene
Dr Uma Ramakrishnan, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Understanding spillover dynamics from an ecological and evolutionary perspective
Tea/Coffee
Session 2 : Surveillance: Moderator - Dr. Rajeeb K. Swain
Dr. Farah Ishtiaq, The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru
Environmental surveillance as sentinel for disease through climate change and one health lens
Dr. Pragya Yadav, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune
Surveillance of high-risk pathogens and the need for preparedness in India
Lunch & Networking
Session 3 : Outbreaks: Moderator - Dr. Mamoni Dash
Dr. Arun Zacharia, Kerala Forest Department
Connecting Wildlife Disease Ecology to Zoonotic Outbreaks-Challenges and Scope
Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora, Executive Director, Inclen Trust, New Delhi
Building on the COVID-19 Lessons for Pandemic Management - Necessity of Novel Pathogen Discovery Program
Dr. Sanjay Singh CEO, Gennova Bio, Pune
A paradigm shifts in genetic engineering: RNA based vaccinology
Tea/Coffee & Networking