Srinagar, Nov 05: International Conference on ‘Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Infections Impacting Humans, Animals, Plants, Fish and Environment’ and 30the annual convention of the Indian Virological Society (VIROCON-2022)commenced on Saturday at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.
The two days event is aimed at providing a convergence platform for national and international scientists of different research interests and expertise to discuss the preparedness of various states, institutions and scientists for dealing with emerging health challenges caused by viral infections.
Director, SKIMS, Prof Parvaiz Ahmad Koul was the chief guest at the inaugural session. In his address, he impressed upon a greater collaboration between medical, veterinary, fisheries, agriculture and other allied institutions for understanding the basic and applied research addressing the emerging health challenges of society.
Director Research, SKUAST-K, Prof Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, appreciated the organizers for fostering a platform of current importance. He impressed upon the scientific community to address the challenges of eco-health in a more coordinated and concerted manner.
President Indian Indian Virological Society, Prof RK Singh, thanked Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahamd Ganai and the university for hosting the VIROCON-2022 at SKUAST-K in Srinagar. General Secretary, IVS, Prof Yashpal Malik, talked in detail about the aims and objectives of the society and its mission.
Dean, FVSc&AH, Prof RA Shahardar highlighted the various scientific achievements pertaining to SKUAST-Kashmir. Dr Sabia Qureshi, Head, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, FVSc&AH welcomed the guests and briefed about the conference schedule. Dr Zahid A Kashoo, the Organizing secretary of the event thanked the dignitaries and other participants for being present on the occasion.
The Indian Virological Society at the occasion also presented various awards and fellowships to reputed virologists for their contribution to the field of virology.
Renowned virologists and scientists including, Dr RK Ratho, PGI Chandigarh; Prof Parvaiz A Koul, SKIMS, Soura; Dr Pragya Yadav, NIV, Pune; Prof NN Barman; AAU, Assam; Dr Anirban Roy, IARI, New Delhi; Dr Amit Pandey, Bhimtal; and Dr Manoj Kumar, Hester Biosciences Limited are among the keynote speakers, who are presenting their topics during the two days of the conference.
A compendium about the scientific sessions and a book about Fisheries sciences were also released on the occasion.
