An international gathering of scientists and researchers at the SRM University Delhi-NCR, discussed the probable solutions regarding the menace of antimicrobial resistance and its relevant and effective drug discovery
The recently held second International Conference on ‘Antimicrobial Resistance, Novel Drug Discovery and Development: Challenges and Opportunities,’ was inaugurated by Prof Ada Yonath, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2009). The three-day conference, organised by the SRM University Delhi-NCR, at the IIT Delhi, Sonepat campus, in association with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH), UK, aimed to provide a common platform to research communities, policy makers, students, and pharmaceutical industries to exchange experiences and challenges related to the development and discovery of reliable and effective AMR drugs and vaccines.
The vice chancellor of SRM University Delhi-NCR, Dr P Prakash, pointed out that this conference is a landmark in the history of the SRM University where eminent scientists gathered to discuss and find solutions regarding the menace of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The Dean-Academic Affairs at the university and also the organising secretary of the conference, Prof V Samuel Raj, insisted on the need of scientists to collaborate to seek solution and enhance surveillance of pathogens non-responsive to antibiotics. Furthermore, he added that the problem of AMR pathogens is not a future menace, but it has already penetrated our environment.
Prof Ada Yonath in her inaugural address highlighted the problem of the upsurge of antibiotic resistance and emphasised the need of research institutions along with pharmaceutical companies to take active initiative, to combat this global issue. Padma Bhushan, Legion of Honour Prof GP Talwar, suggested that it is not just the AMR drugs that one should only concentrate on, but the scientific society should also work on the development of vaccines. Prof Simon Croft of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), United Kingdom, reiterated the need for development of novel drugs and new treatments.
The inaugural function also saw the presence of the registrar of the university, Dr Manish Bhalla, as the international conference on the very first day, marked a significant moment where an array of eminent scientists from all around the globe gathered under one roof to discuss the scope and find solutions to the existing problems of AMR.
