International Conference held at BRIC-ILS
24th-25th November 2025 (A.D.News)
The Marine Biotechnology Conference 2025 at BRIC-Institute of Life Sciences (BRIC-ILS), begins with a strong sense of national purpose. With distinguished leaders, researchers, and innovators assembled at BRIC-ILS, the conference underscores a shared national ambition positioning India as a global leader in marine biotechnology and the Blue Economy through the spirit of BioE3: Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Entrepreneurship. The conference brings together eminent international and national scientists under one roof, creating a space where knowledge can be exchanged, collaborations can be forged, and new ideas can flourish. Marine biotechnology is a field too large and too deep for isolated effort; progress depends on shared learning, collective intelligence, and cross-institutional cooperation. This gathering aims to strengthen those connections.
The inaugural ceremony marked the beginning of this collective mission. Dr. Debasis Dash, Director, BRIC-ILS, welcomed participants with a simple but profound message: India’s oceans are a treasure trove of opportunities to uplift communities, create industries, and fuel scientific discovery. Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, GoI, underlined that biotechnology is no longer confined to the walls of the lab; it is emerging as a national engine for growth. Prof. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, GoI, emphasized the intensity of scientific commitment required toward the exploration and protection of ocean ecosystems, while Dr. M. V. Ramana Murthy, Mission Director, Deep Ocean Mission, reflected on what India’s Deep Ocean Mission means-a binding force across ministries and institutions. Together, their presence underlined an unprecedented and meaningful collaboration across DBT, MoES, the Govt. of Odisha, and the Deep Ocean Mission working as one system to support the dream of a Viksit Bharat.
The event opened with a keynote by Prof. Volker Sieber, who highlighted how seaweed biorefineries and microbial bioprospecting can drive sustainable innovation. Throughout the day, international and national experts presented cutting-edge work on deep-sea microbial adaptation, ocean viromes, and multi-omics technologies signaling India’s rapid advancement in exploring the unexplored. The announcement of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor further strengthened India’s ambition to become a global hub in marine biotechnology. Contributions from BRIC-ILS and collaborators underscored the national mission to discover novel bioactives, develop next-generation therapeutics, and ensure marine resources serve societal and industrial needs. The entire intellectual crowd, through their panel discussions, reinforced that the oceans will be central to future jobs, industries, and scientific breakthroughs.
The 2nd Day continued this momentum with a powerful keynote by Prof. John Coates, who demonstrated how coastal resources can become thriving industries, affirming India’s potential to lead globally. Sessions on marine products, seaweed-based innovations, and bioprospecting highlighted how science can directly support farmers, coastal communities, and emerging biotech enterprises. Discussions on bridging science with industry showcased a collaborative ecosystem aligned with Deep Ocean Mission and DBT’s vision of a self-reliant India. Young researchers added fresh ideas, from bio-fertilizers to marine-derived therapeutics, reflecting the promise of India’s next generation. The conference closed with advanced insights into multi-omics and ocean health, leaving delegates united in the belief that India’s oceans are not just resources but powerful opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and national growth.
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