National Level Scientific Session – “Research to Reality”

Organized by Central Research Laboratory, Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH)

28th September 2024

The Central Research Laboratory (CRL) of Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH) successfully hosted a National Level Scientific Session titled “Research to Reality – Journey from Theoretical Research to Real World Applications” on 28th September 2024. This event was designed to provide a platform for discussing the vital process of translating innovative research into practical, real-world solutions, with a particular focus on healthcare and societal impact.

Objective and Focus

The theme of the event, “Research to Reality,” aimed to highlight the journey from conducting theoretical research to implementing those findings in real-world applications. The goal was to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical solutions that benefit society. Researchers, scientists, faculty, and students from various life science disciplines gathered to share insights, success stories, and challenges in translating research findings into tangible outcomes that impact healthcare, technology, and everyday life.

Program Structure

The event was divided into four interactive sessions, featuring talks from distinguished scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have successfully transitioned their research into real-world solutions. Each session focused on different aspects of research translation, covering innovation, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and clinical application. The program structure was thoughtfully crafted to encourage knowledge exchange, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire future innovations.

Key Highlights of the Event

1. Inauguration and Opening Remarks

The event commenced with a formal inauguration ceremony, with Dr. Geomcy George, a prominent researcher and the driving force behind the CRL, delivering the Inaugural Address. Dr. George emphasized the importance of collaborative research that transcends individual disciplines. She underscored how interdisciplinary research could unlock solutions to complex societal challenges, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Following the inauguration, Dr. Vijayamma K. N., the head of BCMCH, delivered the Presidential Address. Her speech revolved around the significance of translating research into actionable solutions that directly benefit society. She highlighted examples of successful research projects that had improved public health and patient outcomes, serving as a motivation for the young researchers in attendance.

09:30 AM – 10:00 AM | SESSION 1

"10 Lessons Learned in 10 Years of Entrepreneurship"
Speaker: Dr. Maneesh M, CEO, Origin Diagnostics and Research, Kollam, Kerala

The first session featured an inspiring talk by Dr. Maneesh M, the CEO of Origin Diagnostics and Research. He shared his journey as an entrepreneur in the medical diagnostics industry, summarizing 10 critical lessons learned over a decade. The session emphasized the challenges, risks, and strategies involved in building a successful healthcare enterprise. Key takeaways included:

• Resilience and Persistence: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue moving forward.
• Calculated Risk-Taking: Understanding when to take risks and how to manage them.
• Customer-Centric Innovation: Focusing on solving real problems for clients and patients.
• Learning from Failures: Viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth.
• Networking and Collaboration: Building strong connections within and beyond the industry.
• Long-Term Vision: Prioritizing sustainable growth over short-term gains.

Dr. Maneesh concluded his session by encouraging young researchers to think beyond academic research and explore entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to making an impact.

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | SESSION 2

"From Lab to Life: The Scope and Impact of Genomics in Modern Healthcare"
Speaker: Dr. Uma Chandran, Head of Technical Services, OhMyGene, Trivandrum

In this session, Dr. Uma Chandran shed light on the exciting advances in genomics and their growing role in transforming modern healthcare. She discussed how genomic research is revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of various diseases. Key topics included:

• Personalized Medicine: How genomic profiling is enabling tailored treatments for patients based on their unique genetic makeup.
• Cancer Genomics: The importance of genomic research in early cancer detection and personalized cancer therapies.
• Genetic Testing for Rare Diseases: How next-generation sequencing is helping diagnose rare genetic disorders more efficiently.
• Public Health Applications: The role of genomics in tracking infectious diseases and informing public health strategies.

Dr. Chandran also highlighted the potential for further integrating genomic data into mainstream healthcare systems, ensuring better disease management and improved patient outcomes.

10:50 AM – 11:20 AM | SESSION 3

"Development of an Apta-Biosensor for Early and Rapid Detection of Leptospirosis"
Speaker: Dr. Ramya S, Professor and Head, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM University, Chennai

Dr. Ramya S shared her groundbreaking work on developing an apta-biosensor for the early detection of Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection with significant public health implications. Key highlights of her presentation included:

• Aptamer Technology: A detailed explanation of how aptamers, synthetic molecules, are used in biosensing applications.
• Development Process: Dr. Ramya walked the audience through the steps taken to design, develop, and optimize the apta-biosensor for early detection.
• Clinical Relevance: The apta-biosensor’s capacity for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis of Leptospirosis was emphasized, highlighting its significance in both clinical and public health settings.
• Future Directions: Dr. Ramya expressed her vision for expanding this biosensor technology to detect other infectious diseases, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in resource-limited settings.

This session illustrated the potential for biosensors to revolutionize diagnostics in the healthcare sector.

11:25 AM – 12:25 PM | SESSION 4

"TrueNat: Imagine, Invent, Inspire"
Speaker: Mr. Suresh Kumar K, Business Operations Head (South Zone and South Asian countries), Molbio Diagnostics, Chennai

The final session of the morning highlighted one of the most significant technological advancements in the field of molecular diagnostics—TrueNat, a portable and rapid diagnostic platform. Mr. Suresh Kumar K provided an in-depth look at:

• TrueNat Technology: The development and workings of the TrueNat platform, which offers molecular diagnostics at the point of care.
• Impact on Global Health: TrueNat’s application in diagnosing diseases like tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
• Innovation and Accessibility: Mr. Kumar emphasized the importance of accessible diagnostics, especially for resource-poor settings, and how TrueNat is bridging that gap.
• Scalability and Future Goals: Molbio’s plans to further expand the TrueNat platform to include more diagnostic tests, with the aim of improving global health outcomes.

This session concluded with a live demonstration of the TrueNat system, followed by a robust Q&A session where participants inquired about the platform's technical details, implementation strategies, and operational challenges in various settings.

Research Poster Competition

A major highlight of the event was the Research Poster Competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members alike. Participants submitted their research projects under student and faculty categories. Topics ranged from molecular biology and biotechnology to clinical research and healthcare innovations.

The competition served as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research conducted at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. An expert panel evaluated the submissions based on originality, research quality, and potential for real-world application. The winners received accolades and certificates of recognition, providing them with motivation and visibility in the scientific community.

Enthusiastic Participation and Engaging Discussions

The event witnessed a vibrant gathering of over 100 participants, including research scholars, faculty members, and students from various life science disciplines. The interactive Q&A sessions after each talk facilitated a rich exchange of ideas, where participants explored ways to collaborate and expand their research scope. The diversity of the audience contributed to the multidisciplinary nature of the discussions, making the event intellectually stimulating and forward-thinking.

Conclusion

The National Level Scientific Session “Research to Reality” was an inspiring and successful event, offering a glimpse into the future of research translation. The carefully curated talks, insightful discussions, and poster presentations fostered an atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

This scientific session succeeded in emphasizing that impactful research requires more than just discovery—it necessitates vision, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit to translate theoretical findings into solutions that benefit society. The event not only motivated participants but also opened doors for future collaborations that could lead to significant advancements in science and healthcare.

The BCMCH Central Research Laboratory is committed to continuing such initiatives, ensuring that research conducted within its walls can move from the lab bench to the bedside, making a tangible difference in patients' lives and society at large.