SciGenom Research Foundation (SGRF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting science in India through research and education, organized the 8^th annual conference on ‘NextGen Genomics, Biology, Bioinformatics and Technologies (NGBT) Conference’ in Jaipur from September 30^th to October 2^nd.

The conference showcased the application of NextGen sequencing and genomic technologies for basic and translational science in all areas of Biology, including human genetics, drug discovery, clinical medicine, biomarkers, diagnostics, animal, plant and agricultural sciences. It also covered basic biology, cellular signaling, cancer and plant biology.  

Speaking about the conference Dr Sekar Seshagiri, NGBT Conference Chair said, “Genomics is clearly the future in the healthcare space especially when we need precision care to manage life threatening disorders. The science directly impacts the cost of healthcare positively by providing insights to deliver personalized care to patients. NGBT is an ideal platform to share knowledge and find out about the new and emerging technologies in biology or biology-enabling technology areas like genomics. Such forums help in understanding the real life challenges and the ways to address them by engaging renowned experts from across the globe.”

The 2018 NGBT conference was jointly hosted in collaboration with Toronto Recombinant Antibody Centre (TRAC), Toronto, Canada, Birla Institute of Scientific Research (BISR), Jaipur, India, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS), Jaipur, India, Eternal Heart Care Centre & Research Institute (EHCC), Jaipur, India, SMS Medical College Hospital (SMSMC), Jaipur, India, and Institute of Bioinformatics (IOB), Bengaluru, India.

The conference featured technology leaders representing National University of Singapore, University of Toronto, University of Montreal, Pacific Biosciences, MedGenome, Genentech, Indian Institute of Science, BGI, Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Johns Hopkins University, 10X Genomics, Nature Genetics, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, REVOLUTION Medicines and other leading organizations from across the world.

 “Genomics industry is still at a nascent stage in India. While genomic profiling is the way forward for healthcare, we need to create ample awareness amongst medical community to leverage its potential. NGBT conference provides a platform that brings together accomplished national and international speakers, thinkers and thought leaders that shape the course of scientific discovery, research and innovation. India with its huge biodiversity and genetic pool, can contribute much more to the world's genomic database and to the growth of future medicine. NGBT provides an environment of exchange of ideas and provides opportunities for people to form collaboration. “said  Sam Santhosh, Trustee, SGRF (SciGenom Research Foundation) and Founder & Chairman, MedGenome.

Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, has been awarded the 2018 SGRF Excellence in Science Award.  He will be delivering the award lecture and accepting the award at the 2018 NGBT in Jaipur.

At the 2018 NGBT, on Oct 1st, Dr. Manjunatha Kini, NUS, Singapore, is organizing a special symposium “Live and Let Live: Snakebite Cure Symposia” that will bring together experts on snakes and snake bite with a mission to find better treatments for snake bites.

The 2018 NGBT conference was attended by over 800 delegates from India and various parts of the world. There were 12 keynote lectures and 80 talks over the course of three days. The highlight of this year’s conference was the "Live and Let Live: Snakebite Cure Symposia" that brought together experts on snakes and snake bite with a mission to find better treatments for snake bites.

SGRF also announced over 100 “meeting scholarships” for students pursuing scientific research. The recipients of the scholarship were selected based on abstracts submitted for the NGBT conference.