SNU BioTalk 2025 a resounding success

The SNU BioTalk 2025, an international conference themed ‘Symphony of Cellular Signals in Metabolism and Immune Response,’ was recently held at the university’s Kolkata campus. A landmark event, it was organized under the leadership of Prof (Dr) Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor of Sister Nivedita University (SNU) in Kolkata, along with the conveners like Dr Sudipta Saha, Dr Amit Sarkar, Dr Anindita Banerjee from the department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Dr Moumita Das from the department of Applied Nutrition and Dietetics, SNU.

With more than 250 participants, the event celebrated the intricate world of cellular signalling, exploring its profound impact on metabolism, immune response, and disease management. Delegate Dr Sujoy Dasgupta expressed his excitement on being part of SNU BioTalk 2025. “It has been an inspiring and enriching experience. I eagerly await next year’s edition of SNU BioTalk 2026, which promises to build upon the momentum and achievements of this year’s conference.”

Keynote sessions

Following the inaugural ceremony, the spotlight swiftly turned to the much-anticipated keynote and plenary sessions, which set the scientific tone for SNU BioTalk 2025. This year, the conference hosted eminent scientists Prof (Dr) David Goltzman and Prof (Dr) Andrew Karaplis from McGill University, Canada, Dr Venkatesh Balan from University of Houston, USA, Dr Dipyaman Ganguly from Ashoka University, Sonipat, and Dr Soumen Basak from National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. These speakers demonstrated the powerful impact that focused research, rigorous methodology, and collaborative efforts can have on propelling scientific progress.

Scientific sessions

The conference had three engaging scientific sessions including ‘Intracellular Signalling Processes of Cellular Metabolism’, ‘Signalling Pathways in Physiological and Pathological Processes’ and ‘Signalling in Innate and Adaptive Immunity’.

Presentations & exhibitions

A total of 36 posters were presented, covering a wide range of innovative topics and emerging research. The student-led scientific model exhibitions were another standout feature, with participants creatively showcasing complex biological concepts through interactive displays.

Discussions

The panel discussion on ‘Cracking protein complex structure using AI and other computational tools’ and ‘MicroRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation’ were a major highlight of the conference. Another interactive session showcased the work of I-STEM, a pioneering initiative under the Government of India. The COO and National Coordinator Dr Harilal Bhaskar, I-STEM, demonstrated how the platform not only drives resource-sharing but also catalyses cross-disciplinary partnerships.

Key takeaways

The conference offered several important takeaways:

Interdisciplinary learning: Cellular signalling pathways emerged as a unifying framework for addressing complex biological processes.

Technological integration: AI and computational tools were recognised as pivotal in advancing biological research and addressing real-world challenges.

Collaboration: The diversity of participants underscored the importance of international and interdisciplinary partnerships in driving innovation.

Creativity in science: The poster presentations and model exhibitions highlighted the power of creativity in communicating complex scientific ideas.