New Delhi: Prof. Ada Yonath, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2009) inaugurated the conference organized by SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat in association with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH), UK held at IIT Delhi, Sonepat Campus on Sunday morning.The three-day International Conference titled, “Antimicrobial Resistance, Novel Drug Discovery and Development: Challenges and Opportunities” aim to provide a common platform to research communities, policy makers, students, and pharmaceutical industries to exchange experiences and challenges related to the development and discovery of reliable and effective AMR drugs and vaccines. Dr. P Prakash, Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Delhi-NCR, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants and felicitated the guests. He pointed out that this conference will be a landmark in the history of the SRM University where eminent scientists have gathered to discuss and find solutions regarding the menace of AMR. Prof. V. Samuel Raj, Dean-Academic Affairs, SRM University and the organizing secretary of this international conference insisted on the need of scientists to collaborate to seek solution and enhance surveillance of pathogens non-responsive to antibiotics. Furthermore, he added that the problem of AMR pathogens is not a future menace but it has already penetrated our environment. He concluded with a message from Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Deputy Director General, World Health Organization (WHO), requested him to forward the deliberations and recommendations arrived at this conference to WHO.
Prof. Ada Yonath in her inaugural address highlighted the problem of upsurge of antibiotic resistance and emphasized the need of research institutions along with pharmaceutical companies to take an active initiative to combat this global issue. Padma Bhushan, Legion of Honour Prof. G.P. Talwar, suggested that it is not just the AMR drugs that one should only concentrate on, but the scientific society should also work on the development of vaccines. Prof. Simon Croft, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK reiterated the need for the development of novel drugs and new treatments. The International conference on the very first day has marked a significant moment where an array of eminent scientists from all around the globe gathered under one roof to discuss the scope and find solutions to the existing problems of AMR. The inaugural function ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manish Bhalla, Registrar, SRM University, and was followed by the national anthem.