National Conference on “Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Academia: Sustainable Future of Pharmaceutical Sciences.”

On 21st and 22nd November 2025, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SGRR University, successfully organized a National Conference on “Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Academia: Sustainable Future of Pharmaceutical Sciences.” The conference aimed to highlight the immense potential that academic–industrial collaborations hold in shaping the future of pharmaceutical research, innovation, and workforce development.

More than 500 students from various universities and colleges across Uttarakhand and other states participated with great enthusiasm. Over 120 oral and poster presentations were showcased, reflecting the conference theme, and the best oral and poster presentation awards were announced at the conclusion of the sessions. The event received funding support from DST–ANRF, Government of India, and was sponsored by leading pharmaceutical industry partners including Alkem Laboratories, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Chinar Pharma, AB Consultancy, Shivanitin Agencies, Arito Pharma, and Aareen Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Prof. (Dr.) Prathapan K. Pillai, Patron of the National Conference, formally inaugurated the event and highlighted the significance of organizing such academic gatherings at the university level. He emphasized that national conferences play a pivotal role in bridging the existing gap between industry and academia, and stressed the urgent need for structured training programs that align academic learning with current industry requirements. He further suggested that the insightful lectures and expert sessions delivered during the conference should be compiled and made available in the form of a hard-bound book for future reference and academic enrichment. Prof. Pillai congratulated the organizing committee, faculty members, and student volunteers for their dedicated efforts in successfully conducting the event.

Registrar Dr. Lokesh Gambhir, as Co-Patron, also addressed the gathering and delivered a thought-provoking session. He shared valuable perspectives on strengthening collaboration between industry and academia through joint research initiatives, training programs, and knowledge-exchange platforms, encouraging sustained partnerships for holistic academic and professional development.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Uttarakhand, emphasized the vital role of interdisciplinary convergence and innovation-driven collaboration in strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem. He highlighted how academia–industry partnerships can accelerate translational research and contribute to regional and national development.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Milind Janrao Umekar, President, APTI, spoke about the need to modernize pharmacy education and align curricula with evolving industrial demands. He stressed that such conferences create a platform where students can understand real-world expectations and industry can benefit from academic research capabilities.

Prof. Deependra Singh, Chairman, Education Regulation Committee, PCI, underlined the importance of regulatory awareness and competency-based training in pharmacy education. He noted that academic institutions must adapt to global standards and prepare students for innovation-driven professional roles.

The Special Guest, Prof. Rohit Dutt, Vice President, APTI, discussed the necessity of fostering a culture of research, entrepreneurship, and skill enhancement among budding pharmacists. He appreciated the conference for providing a meaningful space for dialogue between stakeholders of pharmaceutical sciences.

The conference conducted four expert-led technical sessions, each chaired by eminent academicians and industry professionals from across the country. The session chairs explored a wide spectrum of themes, including advancements in pharmaceutical technology, evolving regulatory landscapes, future talent requirements in the pharma sector, and innovations shaping drug development. They emphasized how such platforms create new avenues for research collaboration, internships, industrial exposure, and entrepreneurial initiatives, thereby equipping students and faculty with insights into sustainable and industry-ready pharmaceutical practices.

All Principals and Directors from various pharmaceutical institutions across Uttarakhand and outside the state attended the conference and contributed as members of the Advisory Board, enriching the event with their valuable expertise.

The conference was meticulously organized by the Organizing Committee of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Prof. Divya Juyal (Dean), Prof. Yogesh Joshi, Prof. G. Gnanarajan, Mr. Ajay Singh Bisht, along with all faculty and staff members, played an instrumental role in the smooth execution and management of the event.

The conference proudly hosted eight distinguished experts from seven different states of India, each contributing significantly to the depth, quality, and success of the deliberations. Their collective insights and guidance made the conference a truly impactful and memorable academic event.

Oral Presentation Winners

Poster Presentation Winners