Mysuru, September 15, 2021: Prof. K.S. Rangappa, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, highlighted the significance of making research outcomes accessible to every individual in society. He expressed this viewpoint during his inaugural address at the two-day International e-Conference on “Drug Discovery and Material Science.” The event, organized by the IQAC and Department of Chemistry at JSS College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, aimed to foster discussions and advancements in the field.
Prof. Rangappa emphasized the complexity and resource-intensive nature of drug discovery. He acknowledged the extensive time, financial investment, and dedicated manpower required for this process. He particularly emphasized the essential role played by chemists and biologists in the realm of Medicinal Chemistry, underscoring the significance of small molecules in drug discovery.
During his address, Prof. Rangappa highlighted Chemical Biology as an interdisciplinary platform bridging the fields of Chemistry and Biology. He further elaborated on the various stages involved in drug discovery, from molecular design to clinical trials. Emphasizing the pressing need for the discovery of therapeutic agents to combat diseases, he urged researchers worldwide to prioritize this critical area of study.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Prof. B.V. Sambashivaiah, Chief Executive of the College, underscored the importance of timely access to drugs. He acknowledged the arduous efforts of numerous scientists, spanning decades of dedicated work, required for a molecule to enter the market as a viable drug. Prof. Sambashivaiah also paid tribute to the renowned Indian scientist Prof. C.N.R. Rao for his significant contributions to the field of Material Science.
The two-day International e-Conference will feature four technical sessions led by esteemed scientists from the USA, UAE, South Africa, and India. The program includes five invited lectures, 40 oral presentations, and 45 e-poster presentations. Over 400 participants, including students, research scholars, faculty members, and scientists from various parts of the world, are actively engaging in the e-Conference.
The inaugural session commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. H.C. Honappa, Principal of the College. Dr. L. Mallesha, Head of the PG Department of Chemistry, provided insights into the conference’s objectives, while Smt. J.S. Vidya, Head of the UG Department of Chemistry, delivered a vote of thanks. The session began with an invocation by Ms. Sushmita M.S., and Mr. Neeraj Nanaiah moderated the event, ensuring its smooth proceedings.
As the International e-Conference continues, it aims to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and advancements in drug discovery and material science, furthering scientific progress for the benefit of society.