Mapusa: The Departments of Microbiology and Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College, Goa organised an International Seminar on ‘Exploring New Frontiers in Biosciences’ on January 23-24, 2025 in collaboration with the Microbiologists’ Society, India (MBSI) and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). Dr. Satish Shetye, Former Vice-Chancelor of Goa University and Former Director of the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, was Chief Guest at the inaugural function and applauded St. Xavier’s College for always being progressive. Rev. Fr. Antonio Salema, The College Administrator hailed the seminar as a comprehensive platform for eminent scientists, academicians, industry personnel, research scholars, and students to discuss emerging trends and innovative breakthroughs in science and technology. Ms. Ursula Barreto, College Principal and Head of Microbiology, highlighted the seminar’s significance in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Dr. Trelita de Sousa, the Convenor of the Seminar and Assistant Professor in Microbiology, conveyed 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 Resource Persons for the Seminar were a star-studded ensemble of eminent scientists and academicians. Prof. Srikanth Mutnuri, Dean, International Programmes and Collaboration Division, Department of Biological Sciences, BITS-Pilani, Goa, very vividly discussed the Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (VFCW) as nature-based solutions for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment. Dr. Shetye spoke of the impact of the summer monsoons on the Indian estuarine ecosystems and biodiversity highlighting the significance of Goa’s Mandovi and Zuari estuaries in nutrient cycling and management of coastal environments. Dr. Prabu D., Head in Charge, Department of Microbiology, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu, delivered two highly thought-provoking and interactive sessions on the applications of nanotechnology in Microbiology and the use of animal models for quality research in Life Sciences, emphasizing the crucial role of microbiologists in the understanding of complex biological processes and advancing therapeutic innovations. Prof. Momna Hejmadi, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education Quality and Enhancement), Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, U.K. also delivered two enthralling sessions on the transformative role of AI in driving scientific breakthroughs in health and technology and elucidated the vast opportunities of Biosciences in terms of career options, intellectual satisfaction, and societal progress. The sessions were insightful and generated a huge interest amongst the enthusiastic students leading them into impromptu interactive group discussions with the resource persons.
The seminar garnered the participation of over 200 participants from all across the globe including Australia, Germany, India, U.K., and U.S. The participants presented their novel ideas and exciting research through vivid scientific posters and interactive oral presentations. Ms Florence Pereira from Kingston University, London bagged the Best Poster Presentation and Ms. Yuga Ghotge from BITS Pilani, Goa won Best Oral Presentation. The seminar was an enriching learning experience for all the participants allowing innovative deliberations for sustainable research in Biosciences. It culminated in a short cultural programme by the students of St. Xavier’s College, Goa showcasing the vibrant Indo-Portuguese heritage of the State.