CHIEF GUEST & PANELISTS
CHIEF GUEST
Dr. G. Taru Sharma
Director, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB)
DESCRIPTION
Dr. G. Taru Sharma is a distinguished molecular reproductive biologist specializing in stem cell therapeutics for livestock and pets. Holding a doctorate from ICAR-IVRI, she furthered her studies with a Postdoctoral Fellowship at LSU, Baton Rouge, USA, focusing on somatic cell cloning. Dr. Sharma has an illustrious career spanning over 35 years, during which she has made significant contributions to the field through roles such as Principal Scientist at ICAR-IVRI and Research Scientist at Bio-Med.
Her research has led to the developing of a novel 3D microenvironment model, efficient cryopreservation techniques for buffalo germplasm, and advanced applications in stem cell therapeutics. Dr. Sharma has published 141 international research papers and has mentored over thirty M.V.Sc and Ph.D. scholars. She has received numerous awards, including the ICAR-Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award and the Bharat Ratna Dr. C. Subramaniam Award for Outstanding Teachers. Dr. Sharma is also the founder and president of the Animal Physiologists Association and holds esteemed positions in various scientific societies.
OUR ESTEEMED PANELISTS
TOPIC 1
How will AI shape life sciences in the next decade?
Prof. G. N Sastry
Professor, Department of Biotechnology IIT Hyderabad
Dr. Nagarajan Ganapathy
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad
Dr. Mudrika Khandelwal
Associate professor, Department of MSME, IIT Hyderabad
Gaurav Kumar
Senior Lead ML Engineer at Qualcomm, R&D
In today's life sciences field, buzzwords like Artificial Intelligence (AI), fast-paced research, and innovative models & algorithms dominate discussions. AI algorithms now assist and validate experimental results in real-time, enhancing data clarity. These advancements have made AI indispensable, with constant updates tailoring models to scientists' needs. As AI becomes integral, demand for data analysts and code developers surges. Transdisciplinary scientists equipped with bioinformatic tools are increasingly sought after, potentially reshaping the future where fewer scientists may suffice, with algorithms taking on experimental roles.
TOPIC 2
Three wise men: Review papers, experimental papers and impact factors. How do they matter in the current world?
Prof. Anindya Roy
Professor Department of Biotechnology IIT Hyderabad
Dr. Aravind Kumar Rengan
Associate Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering IIT Hyderabad, and INAE Young Associate
Dr. Ishwariya Venkatesh
Senior Scientist Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology Hyderabad
Dr. Anamika Bhargava
Associate Professor Department of Biotechnology IIT Hyderabd
In Indian research, the dynamics between review papers, experimental papers, and impact factors are evolving. Students prioritize review papers for resume enhancement, while researchers face challenges in publishing experimental papers. Bioinformaticians encounter fierce competition for impact factors, where citation metrics heavily influence perception. Review papers garner more citations, impacting researchers' strategies. Experimental paper acceptance often hinges on journal reputation rather than content. This ambiguity complicates planning efforts. High-impact journals are favored, potentially limiting scope. The panel discussion will shed light on how these factors shape students' and researchers' experiences in life sciences.