Nobel Laureate Prof. Ada Yonath Inaugurates Second International Conference Organized by SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat

binod Takiawala

Prof. Ada Yonath, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2009) inaugurated the conference organized by
SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat in association with the Royal Society of Tropical
Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH), UK held at IIT Delhi, Sonepat Campus on Sunday
morning.The three-day International Conference titled, “Antimicrobial Resistance, Novel Drug
Discovery and Development: Challenges and Opportunities” aims to provide a common platform
to research communities, policy makers, students, and pharmaceutical industries to exchange
experiences and challenges related to the development and discovery of reliable and effective
AMR drugs and vaccines. Dr. P Prakash, Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Delhi-NCR,
welcomed the dignitaries and the participants, and felicitated the guests. He pointed out that this
conference will be a landmark in the history of the SRM University where eminent scientists
have gathered to discuss and find solutions regarding the menace of AMR. Prof. V. Samuel Raj,
Dean-Academic Affairs, SRM University and the organizing secretary of this international
conference insisted on the need of scientists to collaborate to seek solution and enhance
surveillance of pathogens non-responsive to antibiotics. Furthermore, he added that the problem
of AMR pathogens is not a future menace but it has already penetrated our environment. He
concluded with a message from Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Deputy Director General, World
Health Organization (WHO), requested him to forward the deliberations and recommendations
arrived at this conference to WHO.
Prof. Ada Yonath in her inaugural address highlighted the problem of upsurge of antibiotic
resistance and emphasized the need of research institutions along with pharmaceutical companies
to take active initiative to combat this global issue. Padma Bhushan, Legion of Honour Prof. G.P.
Talwar, suggested that it is not just the AMR drugs that one should only concentrate on, but the
scientific society should also work on the development of vaccines. Prof. Simon Croft, London
School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK reiterated the need for development of
novel drugs and new treatments. The International conference on the very first day has marked a
significant moment where an array of eminent scientists from all around the globe gathered
under one roof to discuss the scope and find solutions to the existing problems of AMR. The
inaugural function ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manish Bhalla, Registrar, SRM
University, and was followed by the national anthem.