Controlled Release Society – Indian Chapter (CRSIC) organized its flagship event 22nd International symposium on 29th February and 1st March 2024, at Hotel SaharaStar, Mumbai. The theme of the symposium was “Advances in Technology and Business Potential of New Drug Delivery Systems”. In total, 344 delegates from across the country participated in the symposium of whom 80% were from academia including students and faculty and 20% were from the pharma and allied industry. We had highly interactive sessions from international speakers. A networking dinner was also arranged on 29th February, 2024.
The symposium was inaugurated with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by the dignitaries followed by the recital of invocation song. Prof. Vandana Patravale, President, CRS Indian Chapter, delivered the presidential address. Prof. Twan Lammers, President, CRS Inc. was the honoured guest at the inaugural event, and Prof. Christine Allen, Immediate Past President, CRS Inc. was also invited as a Guest of Honour. The newsletter and e-abstract book were released by the dignitaries. Prof. Vandana Patravale, President, CRSIC, informed the audience about the Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by CRSIC. Prof. N. Udupa was declared the laureate of this award. Dr. Twan Lammers presented him with the citation and shawl. Dr. Twan Lammers, President, CRS Inc., delivered a powerful keynote speech, giving vital scientific insights on the translational aspects of cancer therapy. The inauguration was concluded Prof. Sujata Sawarkar, Secretary, CRSIC, with a vote of thanks.
The scientific session of day one included presentations by Prof. Kara Vine-Perrow, University of Wollongong, Australia; Dr. Dai Hayward, CEO, Micropore Technologies, United Kingdom; Dr. Tushar Kumeria, University of New South Wales, Australia; Dr. Yousuf Mohammed, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Prof. Christine Allen, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada. Additionally, technical presentations were given by Abitec Corporation, Solize India Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Sahajanand Medical Technologies Ltd., and BASF India Ltd. Day 1 of the symposium culminated with a networking dinner.
The second day of the symposium was coordinated by Prof. Madhur Kulkarni, Treasurer CRSIC. The attention of the audience was captivated by the speakers that included Prof. Maria Vincent, Prince Felipe Research Centre, Spain; Prof. Anette Mullertz, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Dr. Ana Beloqui Garcia, Associate Professor, Universite catholique de Louvain, Belgium, Prof. Gaurav Sahay, Oregon State University, United States; Dr. Dhirendra Katti, Rajeeva and Sangeeta Lahri Chair Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India; Prof. Raghu Raj Sigh Thakur, Queen’s University, Northern Ireland; Dr. Smita Salunke, EuPFI Chief Scientific Officer, University College London School of Pharmacy, United Kingdom; Mr. Soujanya Bhumkar, Co-founder GEn1E Lifesciences Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States. Also, technical demonstrations were presented by Shin Etsu Chemical Tylose India Pvt. Ltd., Horiba India Pvt. Ltd., Colorcon Asia Pvt. Ltd., and Croda Inda Company Pvt. Ltd.
The symposium also included table exhibits for two days by Patlex Ltd., Trident India Ltd., Teledyne India Ltd, and LabIndia Ltd.
A total of 194 posters were shown throughout the two-day conference. CRSIC proceeded with the “Go Green Drive to Save Planet” campaign. As part of this initiative, every guest speaker at the symposium received a “Go Green Certificate”. A tree will be planted this year at Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar to commemorate the speaker. The trees would be the epitome of the ever-lasting bond between the speakers and the CRSIC.
At the valedictory function, Mr. Ravleen Singh Khurana CEO and Managing Director, Nitika Pharmaceuticals delivered his speech. Dr. Twan Lammers and Dr. Maria J. Vincent were invited as the chief guests to present the Prof. H. L. Bhalla Young Scientist Award, 3 prizes, and a consolation prize for the poster presenters.
Dr. Lammers commended the Indian Chapter for their exceptional organization of the symposium, the scientific contributions made by the Indian researchers, and the kind hospitality shown by the Indian hosts.
The symposium concluded with an expression of gratitude to all the sponsors, organizing committee members, event supporters, and student volunteers.