The Departments of Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Technology, and Agriculture & Rural Development, Andhra Loyola College (Autonomous), Vijayawada, in collaboration with RUSA, organized a Two-Day International Conference on “Future-Ready Life Sciences: Curriculum, Research and Emerging Technologies (ICFLET-2026)” on 23rd and 24th February 2026.
The conference aimed to provide an international platform for academicians, researchers, scientists, faculty members, and students to exchange scientific knowledge, discuss emerging research trends, and explore technological advancements in various fields of Life Sciences.
2. Objectives of the Conference
The major objectives were:
To provide international exposure to recent developments and emerging research trends in Life Sciences.
To create awareness about advancements in microbiome research, stem cell technologies, nutraceuticals, sustainable agriculture, and biomedical engineering.
To promote interdisciplinary learning by integrating curriculum development with modern research methodologies.
To encourage scientific interaction, research collaboration, and knowledge sharing among academicians, researchers, and students.
To familiarize students with emerging technologies and innovative applications in biological sciences.
3. Inaugural Session
The conference commenced with an inaugural session attended by eminent dignitaries and academicians. Rev. Fr. Joe Sabastian, S.J., Rector, offered the blessings, followed by greetings from Rev. Fr. Dr. A. Rex Angelo, S.J., Correspondent, and an inspiring message by Rev. Fr. Dr. S. Melchior, S.J., Principal.
Dr. K. Balachandra introduced the conference theme and highlighted the importance of integrating emerging technologies and research developments into Life Sciences education. Dr. Narayana Bharath Gupta, IAS, Commissioner of Collegiate Education and State Project Director, RUSA, addressed the gathering. The Compendium of Abstracts was released as part of the inaugural programme.
4. Keynote Address
Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Research Professor and Assistant Vice President for Interdisciplinary Research, The University of Alabama, USA, delivered the keynote address titled “Curating the Future: Aligning Life Science Curricula with Emerging Tech and Research.”
He emphasized the importance of modernizing Life Sciences curricula by incorporating bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven biology. He highlighted the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and current research developments through interdisciplinary approaches.
5. Technical Sessions and Lead Lectures
The conference featured expert lectures by eminent scientists, professors, and researchers from reputed national and international institutions.
Lead Lecture 1: Dr. R. S. Prakasham
Institution: CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.
Topic: Mutanase Enzyme Platforms for Next-Generation Dental Care and Biocontrol Formulations.
He explained the role of mutanase enzymes in dental plaque degradation and their applications in eco-friendly biocontrol strategies.
Lead Lecture 2: Dr. P. Veera Bramhachari
Institution: Krishna University, Andhra Pradesh.
Topic: Microbial Signatures of Diet: Understanding Host–Microbiome Interplay.
He discussed the influence of diet on gut microbiome diversity and its relationship with digestion, immunity, metabolism, and disease prevention.
Lead Lecture 3: Dr. Praveen Pedabaliyarasimhuni
Institution: McGill University, Canada.
Topic: Building Cells for Cure: Engineering Stem Cells into Therapeutic Technologies.
He highlighted advancements in stem cell engineering, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic applications.
Lead Lecture 4: Dr. Harikanth Porika
Institution: Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy.
Topic: Nutraceuticals in Horticulture Crops.
He explained the nutritional and medicinal importance of horticultural crops, particularly their vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
Invited Talk 1: Dr. Nadeem Siddiqui
Institution: Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram.
Topic: Chitosan-Based 3D Porous Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Remodeling.
He discussed the development of 3D porous scaffolds and their applications in bone and cartilage tissue regeneration.
Lead Lecture 5: Dr. G. Ashoka Chakravarthy
Institution: Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad.
Topic: Sustainable Agriculture for the 21st Century: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Pathways.
He highlighted climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, organic farming, precision agriculture, and innovative technologies for sustainable agricultural development.
Invited Talk 2: Dr. Ashish Runthala
Institution: SR University, Warangal.
Topic: Decoding the Metabolic Crossroad: A Network Biology Analysis of MetS and Type 2 Diabetes.
He explained the application of network biology in understanding metabolic pathways, disease progression, biomarkers, and therapeutic approaches.
6. Oral and Poster Presentations
The conference provided a platform for faculty members, research scholars, and students to present their scientific findings through oral and poster presentations. Parallel technical sessions were organized on both days.
Faculty members presented their research contributions, while students and young researchers participated in the Junior Scientist Award and Young Scientist Award competitions. These sessions encouraged scientific communication, research interest, critical thinking, and interaction among participants.
7. Valedictory Session
The valedictory session was held on 24th February 2026. Sri S. Tarachand, Controller of Communication, Department of Telecommunications, Andhra Pradesh, attended as the Chief Guest.
Certificates and mementoes were distributed to the prize winners and participants. Dr. B. Siva Kumari, Professor, Department of Botany, presented the report of the two-day international conference. Dr. K. Balachandra, Convenor of ICFLET-2026, proposed the vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the conference.
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