PUNE: The School of Biosciences and Bioengineering (SoBB) at D. Y. Patil International University (DYPIU), Akurdi, Pune, organised the 3rd National Symposium on ‘Recent Advances in Biotechnology: Innovations, Applications and Future Perspectives’ at Shantai Auditorium on October 14, 2026. The symposium brought together experts, researchers and students to discuss emerging developments in biotechnology and their applications in healthcare, agriculture and pandemic preparedness.The programme began with a lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by the felicitation of the chief guest and keynote speaker, Dr. Ashok Giri of CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, and Dr. S. Saravanan, Professor and Associate Director – Genomics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri. They were felicitated by Dr. Ramendra Pati Pandey, Director, SoBB, and Dr. Beeran Moidin B. M., Registrar, DYPIU.Dr. Ashok Giri delivered the keynote address on plant specialised metabolites, terpene biosynthesis and their applications in crop improvement and food safety. This was followed by a session by Dr. S. Saravanan, who spoke about HIV-1 drug resistance, highlighting the importance of genetic testing, resistance surveillance and effective treatment strategies.The poster presentation session was inaugurated by the three expert speakers: Dr. Ashok Giri, Dr. S. Saravanan and Dr. Shrikant Pawar. Students and researchers from Pune and other parts of Maharashtra presented their research through scientific posters.Dr. Shrikant Pawar, Managing Director of ProToniQ Products Pvt. Ltd., Pune, delivered another session on biotechnology innovations for pandemic preparedness, covering advanced diagnostics, genomic surveillance and vaccine development.The symposium concluded with a valedictory function and prize distribution, followed by a vote of thanks by SoBB students. Faculty members, students and participants from Pune and across Maharashtra attended the event.The one-day symposium highlighted the role of biotechnology in addressing challenges in human health, sustainable agriculture and public health preparedness while encouraging scientific collaboration and innovation.The organisers acknowledged the support and encouragement of Prof. Manish Bhalla, Vice-Chancellor, DYPIU. They also expressed their gratitude to Dr. Ramendra Pati Pandey, Director, School of Biosciences and Bioengineering; Dr. Parth Sen Gupta, Head; and Dr. Meena Pandey, Programme Director, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, for their guidance and support in organising the symposium.
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