IBioM BBS 45th Monthly Meet Report

Meeting Report

1. Student Poster Presentation:

The 45^th IBioM BBS Meet took place in Engineering Science Block (ESB) Seminar Hall 2 at MSRIT. Outside the hall, students of the Biotechnology Department presented their posters based on the Meet’s theme as part of the competition. A total of 30 students participated, presenting 6 posters and 1 review paper. The students presented extremely informative & detailed posters based on their current final-year projects.  

Student presenting their Posters at the Meet

The poster presentation competition was judged by Dr. Raja Mugasimangalam (CEO of Genotypic), Dr. Latha Damle (Chief Scientific Officer, Atrimed Pharma), Dr. Subrahmanyam Vangala (ReaGene Biosciences Private Limited) and Dr Gurvinder Singh (University of Sydney).

Judges evaluating the Posters presented by university students at the Meet

• Networking & Refreshments: Refreshments were served by the hosts to the guests arriving & the student crowd present before the commencement of the Meet, allowing for members of the community and students to interact with each other.

• Welcome note & Introduction to MSRIT: The Meet commenced with an Introduction to the institute provided by Dr T P Krishna Murthy – Associate Professor, RIT. He invites Dr. Chandraprabha – HOD Department of Biotechnology, MSRIT to give a brief note on the achievements and progress of the department. The guest seakers were introduced and given a warm greeting by the Biotechnology Department.

Introduction to IBioM: Dr. Raja Mugasimangalam CEO of Genotypic & IBioM Chairman, provided a brief introduction to the guests about IBioM and its members, its goals & visions. 

• Nutrition – Missing Link in the Battle against AMR (Sponsor Talk): IBioM was grateful for the sponsor provided by Bug Speaks for the 45^th BBS IBioM Meet. The sponsor talk was provided by Ms. Rohini Prasad – Nutrition Expert, at Gut Health. Ms. Rohini gave an extremely insightful & detailed presentation regarding Nutrition & its role in Gut Microbiota & impact on the human body. She explained the importance of Gut Homeostasis and Dysbiosis and the approach against AMR by having the Gut Microbiome tested and understanding the importance of nutrition & awareness.

• Microbiota and AMR: Dr. Maneesh Paul gave an engaging talk on the central topic of the 45^th Meet: Microbiota and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). He explained the role of microbes and their evolutional impact on the environment and people. He also explained in detail the role of antibiotics and their effects on the human body and dependency.   

• Sustainable Production of Food Oligosaccharides from Agro-Waste % Isolation of Probiotics from Breast Milk for Enhanced Mental Health: Dr. Divyashri G, Assistant Professor Department of Biotechnology, MSRIT gave a talk on her research. She explained the details regarding her research which was funded by the Institute. She explained the methodologies and working principles behind her research and acknowledged all the students who worked under her assisting her during the process.  

• Mental Health and Microbiome: Mr Bipin Pradeep Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO of IOM Bioworks presented the importance of Mental Health & Microbiome providing insightful examples.  

• Hack your Health with Gut Microbiota: Dr. Shrilakshmi, Founder and CEO of AA Probics provided a detailed explanation of the link between the Gut & the Brain. She went on to explain the importance and characteristics of certain food habits and their impact on the functioning of the brain. She concluded her presentation by asserting the need for awareness regarding the role played by certain microbes, beneficial or not, in the gut whose role would be inhibited/promoted basis the human diet and lifestyle. 

1. Panel Discussion “Are there two brains? “Gut Feelings”: Dr. Jagadish Mittur, President of IBioM, moderated the Panel Discussion, which included panelists Dr Poornima Devkumar (Assistant Professor, TDU University), Dr. Pavithra N (Associate Professor, TDU University), Dr Avinash B (MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital), Dr Latha Damle (chief scientific officer, Atrimed Pharma), and Dr Subrahmanyam Vangala (ReaGene Biosciences Private Limited).

The Panel Discussion began with the members briefly describing their roles and industry experience so far.  The Panel discussed the importance of the relationship between the Gut & the Brain and its applications when working together. They also discussed the role of external factors and their influence such as dietary lifestyle, gender, ageing factors, weather & environment.   

At the end of the Discussion, the Panel had an interactive session with the audience as they answered questions of the crowd.         

1. Conclusion & Future of IBioM: Before the conclusion of the Meet, the Judges of the Poster Presentation competition announced the winners coming in 3^rd, 2^nd & 1^st place. All the students participating in the event received certificates of participation by Dr. Chandraprabha, Dr Jagadish Mittur, Dr Maneesh Paul, Dr Latha Damle (Chief Scientific Officer, Atrimed Pharma), Dr Subrahmanyam Vangala (ReaGene Biosciences Private Limited) and Dr Gurvinder Singh (University of Sydney).

1. Conclusion & Future of IBioM: Dr. Jagadish Mittur, IBioM President, thanked all the Participants for attending the event. IBioM profusely thanked MSRIT & Dr. Chandraprabha, the HOD of the Biotechnology Department, Dr T P Krishna Murthy & Dr. Divyashri G (Associate Professors) for hosting and coordinating our 45th and they look forward to future collaborations. IBioM thanks all the students for participating in the event organised jointly with the Institute. Dr. Jagadish Mittur expressed his sincere gratitude by gifting the faculty a small Avocado Sapling as a symbol of the strengthening of gut microbiome.