MNNIT Welcomes all the delegates for National Conference

Bioprospecting is the search for and examination of biological resources (plants, animals, microorganisms) that have features that might be of value for commercial development. Bioprospecting has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, fuelled by technological advances in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agriculture and other key areas. India is a prime target for bioprospecting because of its unique biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Over the years, concerted efforts have been made to tap this reservoir which has tremendous potential. Notwithstanding the existing knowledge, we are still at the base of biodiversity, which needs to be explored, investigated and exploited. What is required is a concerted, long-term commitment to systematically explore and catalogue existing diversity and exploit it for development. This venture is expected to identify the gap in the existing knowledge and suggest future course of action with respect to assessment of the opportunities and risks, needs and resources, existing policies and legislation for access and benefits,partnerships etc. The national conference aims to highlight the global themes and perspectives and bring forth the latest trends and developments in the domains of bioprospecting through plenary talks, key note addresses, paper and poster presentation. The conference anticipates stimulating discussion, producing material and setting priorities that support agencies to consider important research questions, new opportunities for research in issues of strategic importance like bioporospecting into their policy work.