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Educational Tour to“National Conference on Fungal Frontiers: Biodiversity, Biomolecules, and Bioengineering and Applications for Sustainable Perspectives, & 51st Annual Meeting of Mycological Society of India”
Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Title of the event: Educational Tour to“National Conference on Fungal Frontiers: Biodiversity, Biomolecules, and Bioengineering and Applications for Sustainable Perspectives, & 51st Annual Meeting of Mycological Society of India”
Type of Event: Educational Tour
Date(s): 27-29 November 2024
Venue: Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur
No. of Participants/Beneficiaries: 10
Name of the activity Coordinator: Dr.Payal Chaturvedi and Dr. Charu Sharma
Name of Collaborating Agency (if any) with address & contact no.: NA
Objectives:
- To provide students with insights into the latest developments, research opportunities, and emerging trends in the field of mycology, fostering a deeper understanding of the discipline.
- To provide opportunities for students to explore diverse topics, adopt innovative methodologies, and engage with interdisciplinary approaches, extending their learning beyond the standard curriculum to enrich their academic understanding and career potential.
Summary:
The Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology organized an enriching educational trip to Jodhpur from November 27 to December 1, 2024. The trip included participation in the National Conference on Fungal Frontiers: Biodiversity, Biomolecules, and Bioengineering Applications for Sustainable Perspectives and the 51st Annual Meeting of the Mycological Society of India (MSI), hosted by Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur, from November 27-29, 2024. A group of eight final-year M.Sc. Microbiology and Biotechnology students, along with Dr. Payal Chaturvedi and Dr. Charu Sharma, attended the conference.
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to attend engaging lectures and participate in discussions on various topics, including fungal diversity, systematics and phylogeny, fungal biomolecules (such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and industrial bioactive compounds), fungal bioengineering and synthetic biology, sustainable applications of fungi, and the challenges and future directions of fungal research. Interactions with senior mycologists, renowned scientists, industry experts, and peers significantly broadened their understanding of the field. Inspired by the conference sessions, students expressed enthusiasm about exploring new research areas, while also gaining awareness of industry demands and academic expectations.Additionally, students attended poster presentation sessions, learning how to effectively communicate complex research in a concise, visually appealing format. Dr. Charu Sharma, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, received outstanding recognition by securing first place in the Prof. K.S. Bilgrami Best Poster Presentation Competition.Beyond the academic experience, the trip offered students the opportunity to explore Jodhpur’s cultural and historical landmarks, including Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and Kaylana Lake. This educational trip was a significant milestone, providing students with the chance to enhance their knowledge, connect with professionals in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology, and experience the rich heritage of Jodhpur.
Outcome of the activity:
Participation in the MSI Conference 2024 significantly enriched students’ academic journey by providing a platform to deepen their understanding of mycology. The conference exposed them to cutting-edge research on fungal identification techniques such as DNA barcoding and metagenomics, as well as novel fungal secondary metabolites and their applications. Students also gained insights into the cultivation and uses of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Moreover, they experienced how fungal research can be integrated with other disciplines, promoting a holistic approach to scientific inquiry. Overall, the trip enhanced the students' academic, professional, and personal development, preparing them for future challenges in microbiology and biotechnology.
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