Scientists, researchers and academics from more than 10 countries gathered at Mohan Babu University (MBU) in Tirupati for a three-day international conference to discuss recent developments in chemical, biological and health sciences and their possible applications in addressing environmental and healthcare challenges.

The International Conference on Innovations in Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Society in Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICATS-2026) was organised with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS).

The conference brought together experts from India and countries including the United States, Portugal, France, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Iraq, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Australia.

Discussions focused on advances in biotechnology, chemical sciences, healthcare and environmental sustainability. Researchers also examined how scientific findings could be put to practical use in tackling challenges faced by society.

The three-day event gave students and young researchers an opportunity to interact with scientists working in different fields and learn about emerging technologies and research methods.

Vinay Maheshwari, Executive Director and Trustee at Mohan Babu University, said the conference was intended to encourage the exchange of ideas and strengthen research collaboration.

“For us, the conference is a reflection of our belief that universities must create spaces where knowledge is questioned, ideas are exchanged and new thinking can emerge,” he said.

Maheshwari added that the university hoped the conference would lead to further academic partnerships and research opportunities.

Among the international participants were Prof Nuno C. Santos from the University of Lisbon, Portugal; Prof Cédric Delattre from Université Clermont Auvergne, France; Prof Malarvili Selvaraja from UCSI University, Malaysia; Prof Wei-Yu Lin and Prof Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy from Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan; and Prof Kwang-Sun Kim from Pusan National University, South Korea.

Mohammed Al-Nussairawi from the University of Misan, Iraq, was also among the participating researchers.

Indian experts included Prof P. Gandeepan from IIT Tirupati, Dr A. Gnanamani from CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, Dr B. Anandkumar from the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, and Dr A. Rajasekar from Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore.

The conference also explored the importance of collaboration between different scientific disciplines, particularly in areas where developments in chemistry and biology can contribute to healthcare, biotechnology and sustainable technologies.

Organisers said the event was aimed at encouraging scientific cooperation across countries and helping researchers connect their work with practical needs.