Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 24: The pre-conference workshop for MiCON 2025, a prestigious national conference, occurred today at Yenepoya University, Mangaluru. The event attracted researchers, academics, and professionals nationwide, setting the stage for the upcoming MiCON National Conference on January 25. The workshop was held at the Division of microbiology and biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, in collaboration with the Centre for Ethics and Yenepoya Ethical Committee-1, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore. This year, the theme for MiCON 2025 is "Divergence and Surveillance of Microorganisms," attracted the participation of over 40 delegates, including students, researchers, and academicians.

The day unfolded with Dr Rekka PD, chairman of the MiCON 2025 National Workshop and director of research and development, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), commencing the event with an insightful inauguration address.

The workshop featured two insightful sessions. The session was delivered by Dr Uma Kulkarni, professor of the ophthalmology department at Yenepoya Medical College and Member-secretary of the Yenepoya Ethics Committee, led the first session on “Microbiology and Biotechnology Research and Ethical aspects” focusing on the intersection of microbiology, biotechnology research, and the ethical considerations involved.

Dr Kulkarni emphasized the need for ethical frameworks in microbiological research and in the rapidly advancing biotechnology sector, stressing the importance of responsible practices in scientific exploration.

Another expert session given by Dr Vina Vaswani, director, centre for ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and professor, department of forensic medicine, at Yenepoya Medical College. Dr Vaswani provided talk on “Controlled Human Infection (CHI) studies” highlighting the importance of controlled human infection studies in understanding infectious diseases and treatments, bridging microbiology and biotechnology and how to overcome challenges from Indian perspective.

This workshop was organized under the leadership of Dr Rekha PD (chairperson) and Dr Bhagwan Rekadwad (secretary), and organising committee member of the Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, facilitated engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing among experts.

The workshop concluded with feedback from participants, emphasizing its success in fostering discussions on ethics and innovation. Dr Bhagwan Rekadwad delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the speakers, organizers, and attendees.

This initiative by Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) reflects its dedication to promoting ethical research and advancing knowledge in microbiology and biotechnology.