ICGEB turns 30: Experts converge to discuss vaccine R&D

New Delhi: The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) on November 27th inaugurated the International Vaccine Conference for two days at ICGEB Campus, New Delhi. This conference will bring together international vaccine experts and other stakeholders from diverse disciplines involved in public health and emerging technologies in vaccine research.

The conference commemorates the 30th anniversary of the establishment of ICGEB, an international organisation dedicated to the needs of the developing world with components at Trieste, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa and New Delhi, India. ICGEB being a pioneer international institution in the field of disease biology, vaccine development, diagnostics and therapeutics, understands the need for international collaborative efforts to develop technologies to improve human health globally. This event is an effort to bring the world together to brainstorm on the cutting edge discoveries that will facilitate future vaccine research and will help to design better policies for future in these areas.

Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Minister of Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences; Dr Mauro Giacca, Director General, ICGEB; Dr K VijayaRaghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, and Dr Dinakar M. Salunke, Director, ICGEB New Delhi graced the occasion. Dr M K Bhan, National Professor, IIT Delhi also delivered his inaugural lecture.

In his address, Dr K VijayRaghavan, Secretary DBT said, “ICGEB has been supported by DBT for diagnostics and drug discovery. Much change has been made due to investment DBT make. In the area of vaccination the Rotavirus vaccine, which was the strain discovered by Dr Bhan and his team has made commendable effect on the public.”

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science and Technology mentioned, “It is a very prestigious and important conference. I am very much pleased that director general of one of the most prestigious institutes governing the activity of vaccination all over the world is also here. This will boost and help India in vaccine development programme.”

The conference commemorates the 30th anniversary of the establishment of ICGEB, an international organisation dedicated to the needs of the developing world with components at Trieste, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa and New Delhi, India.

The inaugural session was followed by sessions on various aspects of vaccine development comprising basic research in vaccine discovery, preclinical and clinical vaccine development, public policy implementation. The eminent international scientists, clinicians and policy makers working in the field of vaccines against many diseases including, Dengue, HIV, HPV and Malaria delivered their lectures in various sessions.

Continuing on the theme of vaccine development, a workshop on ‘Malaria Parasite Biology’ will be organized during Nov 29-Dec 1, 2017 and will also cover research on malaria parasite biology and development of new therapeutic approaches against malaria. The workshop will acquaint young participants in latest findings and breakthrough science and provide hands-on training in cutting edge technologies.

More than 300 participants from India and abroad, including eminent leaders from both industry and academic institutions, students and young scientists will attend the events.