At a time when climate stress, food insecurity and biodiversity loss are reshaping global priorities, the University of Kalyani emerged as a vibrant hub of scientific dialogue as its department of botany, in collaboration with the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, hosted a two-day International Conference on “Current Developments in Plant Science Research: Translating Research to Practice”.
Held on 27-28 January, the conference brought together eminent scientists, academicians and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on a central question confronting modern science: how can cutting-edge plant research move beyond academic laboratories to deliver tangible solutions for society?
Director of the Botanical Survey of India, Dr Kanad Das, attended the conference as chief guest, while Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kalyani, Prof. Kallol Paul, presided over the programme as chief patron. The event also featured a series of keynote and invited lectures by distinguished experts from leading national and international institutions.
In his inaugural address, Dr Das delivered a thought-provoking lecture, underlining that plant science research today stands at a critical juncture. “Scientific advancements must now be translated into real societal benefits, particularly in the areas of food security, climate resilience and conservation of biodiversity,” he observed, stressing the need for stronger interfaces between research, policy and practice.
The primary objective of the conference was to promote multidisciplinary dialogue aimed at converting advanced botanical research into practical, actionable solutions for a sustainable and bio-secure future. Against the backdrop of rapid ecological degradation and demographic pressures, speakers repeatedly highlighted the urgency of bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications.
The scientific programme was structured around five key thematic areas that are shaping the future of the green economy ~ food security and its challenges, mitigation and adaptation to environmental stress, plant systematics and phylogeny, bioprospecting and sustainable management of plant resources, and intellectual property rights along with start-up ecosystems.