Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, distinguished scientist, chief controller R&D, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and chief operating officer and managing director Brahmos Aerospace, inaugurated the international conference on biomaterials implant devices and tissue engineering (BIDTE-2012) at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai.
He also presented the Chandra P. Sharma award, instituted by the Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs, India (SBAOI), to Dr Yasuhiko Tabata, Professor, Kyoto University, Japan, for 2011, in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
In his inaugural address, Dr Pillai emphasised the need for convergence in bio-nano-info technologies. He also pointed out the growing relevance of engineers in the field of medicine through design of biomedical instruments which are vital in health care. He cited the examples of bionic eye and flexible human cells to emphasise this.
Highlighting the spinoff technologies that R&D in defence had yielded for the benefit of common man, Dr Pillai said bone plate, bone cement, heart valve, contact lens, cochlear replacement, artificial ligaments and retinal implants have positively impacted society.
Describing the rapid progress made in areas like tissue engineering, plastic surgery and nano robots in the elimination of virus in human system, Dr Pillai hoped that the field of biomedical engineering could make Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s curable in the days to come. He also called upon scientists in the field of medicine and engineers to work together and facilitate a bio–nano revolution on the lines of the industrial revolution of the 20th century.
Dr. Thangam Meganathan, chairperson, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, stressed the importance of research in educational institutions not only for creating new ideas and products but also for curriculum development and strengthening the teaching-learning process. Dr C R Muthukrishnan, advisor, and Dr S Renganarayanan, principal, offered felicitations.
Earlier, Prof K R Radhakrishnan, dean - academic (computing sciences), welcomed the gathering and Prof Mohammed Ali, head of the department, biotechnology, proposed a vote of thanks.
Over 150 research papers are being presented and 600 delegates, including eminent speakers from Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, the UK and various states of India are deliberating on various themes during the conference. The 22nd annual meeting of SBAOI and 5th annual meeting of Society for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, India (STERMI) will be held concurrently during the conference.
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