NEHU-Neuroscience Workshops/Conference
*KARYASHALA WORKSHOP and SNCI SATELLITE MEETING
on The Topic
Scientific interventional tools to improve Cognitive behaviour in children with neurodevelopmental disorders in India *
NEHU's Department of Biomedical Engineering in Shillong collaborated with Society for Neurochemistry India (SNCI) to hold a week-long KARYASHALA, sponsored by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Delhi. The event ran from September 19th to 24th, 2022, and focused on "Scientific intervention tools to improve Cognitive behavior in children with Neurodevelopmental disorders in India." Aim: The Karyashala's major mission was to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and the skills to understand the most recent scientific interventional methods and equipment available for minimizing cognitive impairment in children with Neuro-developmental disorders. The objective of this course was to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge techniques utilized in the field of cognitive rehabilitation for children with neurodevelopmental problems. Furthermore, the programme aimed at enhancing these children's functional outcomes and overall quality of life. It is intended that programme participants would be able to put into practice their newly obtained understanding and skills to assist these children and their families in more effectively dealing with the challenges provided by neuro-developmental disorders. The workshop was inaugurated by several esteemed guests, including the Vice Chancellor of NEHU, the President and Secretary General of SNCI, the Director of Research at CIIMS in Nagpur, and the Dean of the School of Technology at NEHU. The coordinator of the event, Dr. Dinesh Bhatia, introduced the purpose and goals of the program to the participants, highlighting the potential benefits to society through the integration of experts and participants from all over the country. This workshop provided a unique opportunity for scientists and researchers to come together and share knowledge, ideas, and solutions to improve the lives of children with Neurodevelopmental disorders in India. During the KARYASHALA event, Prof. Prakash Babu from the University of Hyderabad highlighted the activities of SNCI since the 1970s and its evolution in developing scientific knowledge in Neuroscience in India. He emphasized the organization's role in nurturing young scientists and researchers from across the country since its inception. Dr. Rajpal Singh Kashyap stressed the importance of translational research and integrating it with societal issues to find viable solutions. Prof. L.J. Singh provided an overview of the School of Technology at NEHU and the University, suggesting that such meetings be held regularly to promote the emergence and dissemination of new knowledge to society. Finally, Dr. Punit Gautam delivered a vote of thanks to all those involved in organizing the event, including the press and media. This event provided a platform for experts and participants from different backgrounds to collaborate, exchange ideas, and find solutions for cognitive behavior improvement in children with Neurodevelopmental disorders in India. DST-STUTI Sponsored Hands-on Training Programme on "Innovations in Healthcare Technologies" The cutting-edge Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, hosted an enthralling week-long training program from February 6th to 12th, 2023, called "Synergistic Training Program Utilizing the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure (STUTI)." Sponsored by the prestigious Department of Science and Technology (DST) in Delhi, the event brought together the finest experts in healthcare technologies to share their brilliant, forwardthinking ideas and techniques. In collaboration with Jamia Hamdard University in Delhi, the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF) at NEHU, and the Society for Neurochemistry India (SNCI), the program aimed to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise in the field of biomedical engineering. The event focused on the theme "Innovations in Healthcare Technologies," which highlighted the latest advancements and breakthroughs in healthcare technologies. The event aimed to bring together selected experts from various healthcare institutions such as NEIGHRIMS, NEIAH, CMC, Vellore, SAIF, and NEHU, to deliberate, provide a roadmap, and outline a vision for the design and development of the medical technology sector in the country. Moreover, the distinguished minds of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, AMTZ in Visakhapatnam, IIT Madras, and PRIME Hub, Government of Meghalaya, were summoned to mentor the interns on the art of entrepreneurship and start-ups through hands-on problem-solving and contemporary business practices. The event was further graced by global industry stalwarts hailing from Australia and Canada, alongside indigenous entrepreneurs from the region and beyond, who lent their profound expertise and wisdom to the proceedings. During the workshop inauguration, several important figures including Prof. D.K. Nayak, Prof. B. Panda, Prof. Prakash Babu, Prof. Suhel Pervez, Prof. Prasenjit Biswas, and Dr. Dinesh Bhatia addressed the participants. Prof. Iftekhar Hussain provided insights on the importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare, while Prof. Suhel Parvez discussed the role of the DST STUTI programme. Prof. Prakash Babu emphasized the SNCI's evolution since the 1970s and its role in fostering scientific temper among researchers. Prof. Prasenjit Biswas elaborated on the significance of Bioethics and Neuroscience in understanding Neurological disorders, while Prof. D.K. Nayak encouraged the participants to use the opportunity to enhance their skills and benefit society. Finally, Dr. Dinesh Bhatia spoke about the objectives of the week-long program and thanked those involved in organizing the event. The event was a testament to the importance of collaborative efforts in developing the medical technology sector in India Overall, the event served as a great opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and industry and pave the way for innovative solutions in the field of healthcare
1. National Conference on “Advances in Computational Neuroscience (ACNE)” sponsored by INCNE grant, NBRC, Manesar, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computer Centre at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, organized the 29th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neurochemistry, India. The event was a national workshop and conference that completely focused on “Advances in Computational Neurochemistry and Neurobiology” and was conducted from December 16th to 21st, 2015. The primary goal of the event threw light on promoting Neuroscience and Neurochemistry in the remote north-eastern region of India and other parts of the country by enhancing guidance and support to students and young faculty members. The colloquium on Neuroscience took place, with Prof. Kumar Sambamurti of the Medical University of South Carolina as a keynote speaker. The conference was attended by manifold Neuroscientists across India, who also shared their foreknowledge and advancements in the field. Prof. Prakash Babu Phanithi, Secretary of the Society for Neurochemistry, India, SNCI conveyed a magnificent speech in course of the conference’s inaugural. Dr. Sudip Paul, currently in charge of Biomedical Engineering, served as the Organizing Secretary, while Dr. Dinesh Bhatia, Late Head of Biomedical Engineering, was the Convener, and Dr. T. K. Sinha, Associate Professor of Computer Science, also the holder of Co-Organizing Secretary in their organization.
2. “IBRO/APRC Associate School 2017 on Computational approaches in Neuroprotection and Neurorehabilitation”
The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Associate School, 2017 organized by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India, was the first of its kind in the north-eastern region of the country. The theme of the agenda was “Computational Approaches in Neuroprotection and Neurorehabilitation’, with an aim of promoting research and training in the field of Neurosciences and Neurorehabilitation and emphasizing the North-Eastern states of India and the Asia Pacific region, at large during 05th -10th June 2017. Neuroscience techniques have broadened significantly, from studying single nerve cells at a molecular level to using imaging and computational methods to understand perception and movement in the brain. The study involved 40 participants, mostly from different universities and institutes in India, as well as Iran, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The opening ceremony was led by our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. K. Srivastava. The event had several notable guests, including the Chief Guest, Prof. Andrew J. Lawrence from the University of Melbourne, Australia; Prof. P. V. Koparkar, Dean of the School of Technology at NEHU; Dr. Dinesh Bhatia, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, who served as the chairperson of the program, and Dr. Sudip Paul, who organized the program and expressed gratitude to the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and other sponsors for their generous contributions, which helped make the event a great success.
3. Inaugural Programme of IBRO International School on “Modern Interventional Tools for Children with Disability”
The Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Education at North Eastern Hill University collaborated to host an IBRO-APRC Associate School on “Modern Interventional Tools for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders” from October 25th to October 30th, 2021. The objective was to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary intervention tools for cognitive impairments in children with Neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of enhancing their functional outcomes and quality of life. The School was organized in close coordination with the Society for Neurochemistry India (SNCI) Satellite meeting with the IBRO at large from 30th October to 1st November 2021. The School provided exposure and included hands-on training to the participants with the theme “Modern interventional tools to improve Cognitive behavior in children with Neurodevelopmental disorders” with the allowance of understanding how diseased brain conditions could be improved and made to function similarly to the normal human brain. This was one of the major facts of Neuroscience research which encompassed most of these disorders, and it was one of the biggest challenges for survivors. The School’s opening ceremony was held on 25.10.2021 with a blend of in-person and virtual attendance, Dr. Dinesh Bhatia, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Biomedical Engineering Department at NEHU, Shillong, gave the opening remarks. He highlighted the importance of the School, the selection process for participants, and the various topics that experts from India and other countries would cover throughout the week-long program. Dr. Bhatia expressed his gratitude to IBRO and SNCI officials for their support in organizing the events. After the dignitaries were recognized, the School was inaugurated by Prof. P.S. Shukla, NEHU’s Vice Chancellor in Shillong, as the Chief Guest. During his speech, Prof. Shukla discussed how modern technology could affect children with disabilities and how it relates to socio-economic factors in the North-Eastern region. The Special Invited Guest Dr. Cheah Pike See, Chair, IBRO APRC from the Universiti Putra, Malaysia discussed the scope of the IBRO School and the opportunities available to young budding scientists and researchers for seeking funding from the IBRO.
The conference also includes the following events:
International School for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders concludes at NEHU
The Department of Biomedical Engineering, in conjunction with the Department of Education at North Eastern Hill University in Shillong, hosted an IBRO APRC Associate School from October 25 to 29, 2021. The purpose of the IBRO-APRC Associate School was to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of modern interventional tools for improving the functional outcome and quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The School included hands-on training and exposure to the theme “Modern Interventional Tools to Improve Cognitive Behavior in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders” to demonstrate how diseased brain function could be improved to resemble that of a normal human brain.
SNCI Satellite Meeting on Cognitive and Neurodevelopmental Disorders starts at NEHU
The Society for Neurochemistry India (SNCI) held a satellite meeting from October 30 to November 1, 2021, in collaboration with the School. The Satellite meeting offered significant features such as interactive scientific debates with distinguished professionals from India and overseas, along with participant presentations through symposium and group meetings. The primary objective of the meeting was to gather professionals working in the relevant field to foster innovative technical expertise, share research ideas among participants and experts, and promote the field’s advancement globally, involving the larger community.
Prof. M.K. Thakur, who is the President of SNCI and the Guest of Honor from Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.), Varanasi, emphasized the significance of continuous efforts in the field and the society’s responsibility in supporting such activities by holding annual meetings in collaboration with various Chapters of the local society. He praised Dr. Dinesh Bhatia and his team, as well as other University officials, for successfully organizing the event in partnership with the IBRO APRC Associate School.
IBRO 2021 MEETING: IBRO-APRC Short-term Course on Depression, Anxiety, Mental Stress, and its Remedies in Light of COVID-19
The IBRO 2021 Meeting had a short course on managing depression, anxiety, and mental stress during COVID-19. Renowned speakers from India and other countries gave ten lectures on various aspects of mental health, such as stress management and happiness. Post-session discussions followed each lecture, and participants, including doctors, clinicians, and researchers in Neuroscience, attended the three-day program that ended on December 16, 2021.
4. The XL (40th) Annual Meeting of the Indian Academy of Neurosciences kickstarts in NEHU
The XL (40th ) Annual meeting of the Indian Academy of Neurosciences(IAN) kick-started at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong along with the conference and workshops. The event was organized by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, NEHU, Shillong.
Prof. (Dr.) Nalin Mehta, Director of NEIGRIHMS graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor, NEHU was the Guest of Honour. Other notable attendees included Prof. Ishan K. Patro, President of IAN, Prof. Trichur R. Raju, Dean of IAN, Prof. Vinay K. Khanna, Secretary of HQ, IAN, Prof. Pankaj Seth, General Secretary of IAN, and Prof. Md. Iftikhar Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology at NEHU.
The workshop saw the presentation of lectures by eminent scientists, doctors, and researchers. He also mentioned that the 3-day conference will see the participation of around 450 delegates from different parts of the country and abroad like the US, Malaysia, Singapore, Europe, etc. He thanked and praised Prof. Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of NEHU for the support and encouragement showered on the organizing committee for holding this international conference. He expressed gratitude and admiration for Prof. Shukla, the Vice-Chancellor of NEHU, for supporting and encouraging the organizing committee in hosting the international conference. He noted that NEHU was celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and that it was an honor to organize such a significant event, coinciding with the Department of Biomedical Engineering’s ten-year foundation celebration.
