core sector communique

DRDO Hosts International Symposium on
“Recent Trends in Neurosciences”

Over 400 neuro scientists from India and abroad will deliberate on latest advances in the field of neurosciences in an International Symposium on “Recent Trends in Neurosciences”. The event will be inaugurated by eminent DRDO scientist Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller Research & Development (Life Sciences & International Cooperation) at 1800 hrs on Sunday , the 30th October, 2011 at Bhagavantham Auditorium, Metcalfe House, Delhi – 110054. The three-day conference will continue on 31st October & 01st November, 2011 at Paintal Memorial Hall, Vallabhbhai Patel, Chest Research Institute, Delhi University, Delhi-07. Topics such as neurodegeration and neuroprotection; herbal and antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection; neurobiology of aging and memory; natural solutions to brain dysfunctions and many others will be discussed (please see copy of program) during the conference. The topics address key issues on improvement of “health care” and “human performance”.

Understanding the biochemical and biophysical properties of nerve cells have led to fundamental insights into an important aspect of cognition and memory. However, with every new discovery on the brain we realize how little we know about this pulsating mass of neurons, thus leaving an unending scope for future research. In this context, conference will surely provide a unique platform for the neuroscientists in India and abroad to deliberate, discuss and collaborate in areas of mutual research interests.

Neurophysiological changes under stressful environmental conditions have been one of the thrust areas of DIPAS, as the troops in India are exposed to variety of extreme environmental situations. The lab has been working to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in modulation of neurotransmitters under stressful environment with special reference to behavior and sleep deprivation. As countermeasures, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are being explored to improve the cognitive functioning of soldiers deputed at high altitudes and pilots on long haul flights. Improving sleep quality at high altitudes is another challenging area. Thus, the conference will also highlight the achievements and initiatives taken by DRDO in this area.

The conference will be attended by many eminent personalities in the field such as Dr. Devika Nag, Emeritus Professor Neurology, CSMMU, Lucknow; Dr. Subrata Sinha, Director, NBRC; Dr. Manas Mandal, Director, DIPR; Prof. Raj Mehra, AIIMS, Delhi; Dr. T.R. Raju, NIMHANS, Bangalore and over 25 foreign delegates from countries like Australia, Japan, The Netherlands, Singapore and USA. A unique feature of this conference will be a special interactive session for school students. In this session, students of 10+2 level from Delhi schools will come face to face with eminent neuroscientists and will get an exposure to the mysteries of brain and its functioning. The session is aimed to ignite the young minds creating interest in the field and encourage them to pursue career in neurobiology. Dr. (Mrs.) Shashi Bala Singh, Sc ‘G’ & Director, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS) is the Organizing Secretary of the event.