National Symposium on Facets of Biochemistry Held at M. S. University of Baroda, Gujarat

The Department of Biochemistry at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda recently organized a National Symposium on Facets of Biochemistry, bringing together eminent scientists, professors, & students to delve into the fascinating world of biochemistry and its critical role in addressing pressing global challenges.

The inaugural function of the symposium was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor of the M. S. University of Baroda, who delivered an inspiring presidential address. Prof. Srivastava urged students to channel their creativity into innovative solutions while emphasizing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and explore novel applications of plastics.

Prof. Haribhai Kataria, Dean of the Faculty of Science, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and highlighted the significant contributions of the Faculty of Science to the university's overall performance. Prof. C. Ratna Prabha, Coordinator and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, shared insights into the department's diverse research pursuits and expounded on the symposium's theme and objectives. She also expressed gratitude to Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi, for providing an opportunity for an IJBB special issue.

The symposium featured a prestigious lineup of distinguished scientists and professors from across India. Prof. Harish Padh, former Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, VV Nagar, Gujarat, introduced the Alumni Association of the Biochemistry Department and the CVR lecture series, setting the stage for an intellectually stimulating event.

Following the inaugural session, the symposium delved into various plenary sessions. Prof. Jayant B. Udgaonkar, a renowned structural biologist and former Director of IISER, Pune, delivered an insightful lecture on 'How does a prion protein misfold?' This topic, which explores the fascinating intricacies of protein folding, was chaired by Prof. Harish Padh and co-chaired by Dr. NK Prasanna from CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi.

Dr. Prasanna provided an overview of NIScPR's journals and emphasized their commitment to open access, offering 16 research journals across various scientific disciplines free of publication fees or accessing charges. He also delved into the critical aspects of protein folding and the implications of mis-folding and refolding in diseases.

Prof. Nanda Kishore from IIT Bombay, a distinguished biophysicist and structural biologist, shared his expertise on 'Molecular functionalities in preventing protein fibrillation - a quantitative biophysical approach.' Dr. Rajesh Patkar, also from IIT Bombay and a specialist in host-pathogen interactions, delivered an engaging talk on 'Small secretory proteins with significant tailoring functions during fungal pathogenesis.'

In the valedictory session, Prof. C. Ratna Prabha, the Event Coordinator, provided a comprehensive summary of the symposium's key takeaways and its overall significance in advancing the field of biochemistry. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks extended by Prof. Prabha, Head of the Department of Biochemistry at MS University of Baroda, Vadodara.