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Advancing Proteomics: Insights and Innovations at the 16th Annual PSI Conference 2024 at NCL
Nikita, THSTI
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The 16th Annual Meeting of the Proteomics Society of India (PSI) and the International Conference on Integrated Omics Approaches for Decoding Biological Research was held at the prestigious National Chemical Laboratories (NCL) in Pune, from November 21 to November 23, 2024. This event brought together researchers, scientists, and industry professionals working in proteomics from across India and beyond. It was an excellent opportunity for the researchers and students to exchange ideas, showcase innovative research, and discuss future directions in the field. Over the course of the three-day conference, there were numerous scientific talks, industry presentations, and poster sessions that contributed to an enriching experience for everyone involved.
The conference began on the first day with a formal inaugural session, where Dr. Ashok Giri, CSIR-NCL, Pune, Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL, Pune, Dr. Shantanu Sengupta, President-PSI, CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi delivered opening remarks. The day continued with a series of insightful scientific talks on topics such as Proteomics in Cell Biology and Disease Biology, Omics in Plant Biology, and Omics Technology in Chemical Ecology and the Environment. These sessions highlighted the diverse applications of proteomics and other omics technologies in various areas of biological research. After lunch there was poster sessions as well where researchers presented their posters and had remarks from scientists.
On the second day, the conference had focused on Mass Spectrometry and Omics approaches with a series of scientific talks. These presentations explored the integration of omics approaches and mass spectrometry, as well as how these techniques are being used to better understand complex biological systems. I also had my poster presentation where I interacted with researchers and conference participants. Additionally, we had industrial talks from leading industry partners such as Thermo Fisher, Olink, SciX, Sartorius, Biocrates, and Bruker, who presented on critical topics such as Precision Medicine and Next-Generation Translational Research. I found these sessions valuable as they bridged the gap between academic research and practical industry applications, showcasing how scientific advancements in proteomics are leading to breakthroughs in healthcare and disease treatment. A major highlight of the second day was the talk by Prof. Akhilesh Pandey, one of the foremost experts in the field of proteomics. Prof. Pandey gave an outstanding lecture on single-cell proteomics, discussing the cutting-edge techniques used to study proteins at the single-cell level.
On the third and final day of the conference, the focus shifted to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Bioinformatics, and Biotherapeutics. In the afternoon session the best poster presenters, were given the opportunity to present their work.
According to me, most captivating talk at the conference was given by Prof. P. Balaram from NCBS, titled Proteins, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry. In this enlightening session, Prof. Balaram discussed the complexities involved in the analysis of proteins and peptides and how these analyses significantly affect the interpretation of mass spectrometry spectra. He explained the importance of understanding the instances of protein identification and quantification through mass spectrometry, as even small variations in the analysis can lead to different interpretations.
Throughout the conference, attendees were provided with accommodation, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. These arrangements helped us to give full attention on event, without distractions, and to foster networking opportunities during meal times. The Gala Dinner was arranged at the NCL Guest House for all of all attendees, whether delegates, participants, or volunteers, there delightful cultural and musical program was organized to entertain and refresh our moods. It was a great time for everyone to unwind and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
This Conference made me realize the vast potential of proteomics—not just as a research tool but as a key to revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in disease diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and personalized medicine.