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Shaping Future Scientists: Apeejay Stya University Seminar Focuses on Innovation and IP
Students explore healthcare advancements, and IP-driven research pathways
The School of Biosciences at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram successfully organised a seminar on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day under the theme, “Bridging Health and Science through Innovations in Microbiology, Diagnostics, and Forensic Research.” The seminar aimed to highlight the importance of intellectual property rights, innovation, and translational research in modern biosciences, while offering a platform for students and faculty to engage with experts from academia, healthcare, industry, and IP domains.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by the Masters of Ceremonies, Som Sarth and Ruchika, followed by Saraswati Vandana and the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge. The ceremonial beginning set a positive and scholarly tone for the event.
Prof. (Dr.) Vyas M.S., Dean, School of Biosciences, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the significance of intellectual property in fostering innovation and encouraging students to adopt an interdisciplinary and research-oriented approach. This was followed by an address from Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Registrar, who highlighted the importance of protecting scientific discoveries and motivating students to contribute meaningfully to research and innovation.
The seminar featured a series of expert talks. Prof. Ashok Rattan, a renowned microbiologist, delivered an insightful lecture on CRISPR-Cas systems in infectious disease diagnostics. He elaborated on concepts such as Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM), cis- and trans-cleavage mechanisms, and advanced platforms like SHERLOCK, DETECTR, SHINE, and CARMEN. He also compared CRISPR-based diagnostics with conventional methods such as RT-PCR and ELISA, highlighting advantages like speed, cost-effectiveness, and field applicability. Addressing challenges in diagnosing typhoid in India, he proposed a cost-effective CRISPR-based solution for decentralised healthcare.
Dr. Mohan Prasad’s session focused on intellectual property in pharmaceutical innovation. He discussed patents, trademarks, copyrights, and geographical indications, along with criteria for patentability—novelty, non-obviousness, and industrial applicability. He also explained Indian patent laws, international agreements like TRIPS, and the ANDA pathway for generic drug development.
Prof. Krishna Kumar’s lecture explored health as a holistic concept and discussed determinants such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. He compared traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani with modern advancements, and highlighted emerging technologies including gene editing, regenerative medicine, vaccines, and artificial intelligence, emphasising a shift towards preventive and personalised healthcare.
The final session by Ms. Pearl Sobti focused on the role of intellectual property in shaping the future of medicine. She stressed the importance of patent strategies, innovation management, and academia-industry collaboration in translating research into practical healthcare solutions.
The seminar concluded with felicitation of the speakers and an engaging Q&A session, where participants actively interacted with experts. Dr. Anupama Diwan delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all contributors. The programme ended with the National Anthem, followed by a group photograph and lunch.
Overall, the seminar proved highly impactful, enriching participants’ understanding of intellectual property, innovation, and interdisciplinary biosciences. It reinforced the importance of innovation-driven education and promoted a strong research culture within the institution.
