News from NGSMIPS | SPER 2025 - 14th Annual International Conference & Exhibition

The 14th Annual International Conference & Exhibition of the Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (SPER) 2025 organized by NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte University, Mangalore took place on 24th & 25th January 2025, in collaboration with SPER, New Delhi, India. The conference held at KS Hegde Auditorium centred around the theme "Advancing Pharmaceutical Research Ecosystems: Maximizing Impact through Technology Adoption and Integration."

The prestigious conference SPER 2025, received valuable support from Taylor & Francis Group, Systopic Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., SPER Market Research®, Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE), Karnataka State Pharmacy Council - India, CNOIC Life Sciences, Bangalore, IPQuad Partners, Labindia Analytical Instruments, Himalaya Herbal Healthcare, Bangalore, Pharma Sapience, Bhopal, Lozet Pharma, Bangalore & Sharjah and Sri Durga Laboratory Equipment Supplies, Mangalore.

Chief Guest, Dr. Montukumar M Patel, President, Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi joined the inaugural ceremony online. Guests of Honour included Dr. Dinesh Jaiswal, Jaiswal DMK, New York; Mr. Arun Kedia, Managing Director, VAV Life Sciences, Mumbai and Prof. (Dr.) AK Ghosh, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Seacom Skills University, Bolpur, WB. Prof. (Dr) M. S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte University, Mangaluru was the presiding officer. Dr. Upendra Nagaich, Founder & Director, SPER Market Research Pvt. Ltd., Noida was also present at the event. Day 1: Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Arun Kedia, Managing Director of VAV Life Sciences, Mumbai, India, on the topic "Transformative Role of Lipids in Pharmaceutics." The session was chaired by Dr. Srinivas Muthalik, Principal of MCOPS, Manipal, Udupi and Dr. MD Salahuddin, Principal of Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru.

This was followed by Plenary Session 1 on the topic "Nanoencapsulation of Nutraceuticals: A Focus on Liposomal Delivery System." The lecture was delivered by Dr. Sally A El. Zahaby, Associate Professor at Egypt-Japan University of Science & Technology, Egypt. The session was chaired by Dr. Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed, Principal, Yenepoya College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru and Dr. Kusum Devi, Principal of Nitte College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bengaluru.

Plenary Session 2 on the topic "Translational Research: Collaboration and Crossover” featured a talk by Dr. Sunil Chiplunkar, Vice President of Group Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India. The session was chaired by Dr. Ajit Babu, Principal of Malik Deenar College of Pharmacy, Kasargod, Kerala. Post-lunch, the conference continued with oral and poster presentations, providing a platform for participants to showcase their research findings. These sessions allowed delegates, including researchers, students and professionals, to present their work in various aspects of pharmaceutical education, research and development. The oral presentations featured speakers who delivered detailed talks on their research projects, methodologies and findings, with a focus on emerging trends in pharmaceutical sciences. Each presentation was followed by a brief Q&A session, encouraging active participation and discussions among the audience and speakers.

The poster presentations facilitated one-on-one interactions with attendees, allowing for more personalized discussions about the research. It also provided an opportunity for students and early-career researchers to gain feedback from senior academics and professionals, contributing to their academic growth.

In the evening, the attendees were treated to a vibrant cultural program that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Mangalore and India, through music and traditional dance forms. The program was a wonderful opportunity for delegates from various backgrounds to connect with the vibrant cultural tapestry of India, fostering a sense of unity and celebration of diversity.

Day 2: Plenary Session 3 on the topic "Multidisciplinary Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry" featured an insightful lecture by Prof. Dinesh Jaiswal, Consultant, DMK USA. The session was chaired by Dr. Ramakrishna Shabaraya A, Principal, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru and Dr. Suja C, Principal & Professor, Crescent College of Pharmacy, Kannur, Kerala.

Plenary Session 4 featured a talk by Dr. Sumanth Prabhu, Sr. General Manager & Head of Analytical Development, Syngene, Bengaluru on the topic "The Changing Dynamics in the Pharma Industry with AI". The session was chaired by Dr. Saleemulla, Principal, PA College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru and Dr. Gururaj M.P., Principal, Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Puttur, Mangaluru.

Plenary Session 5 on the topic "USP Type 4 Dissolution: Advances in Dissolution" featured an informative lecture by Mr. Sandeep, Business Manager, LabIndia, Bengaluru. Dr. Sarath Chandran, Asst. Professor, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government Medical College, Periyaram, Kerala, chaired the session.

The poster presentation session that followed, provided a platform for researchers, academicians and students to showcase innovative work in pharmaceutical sciences. Covering diverse topics such as drug discovery, formulation development, nanotechnology and regulatory sciences, participants presented structured posters and engaged in insightful discussions. This interactive session facilitated knowledge exchange, critical analysis and networking, fostering collaboration in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

The Valedictory & Award Ceremony was conducted post lunch, marking the formal conclusion of the SPER 14th Annual International Conference & Exhibition (SPER 2025). The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice-President (ISR & CRL), Nitte University. The Guests of Honour included Prof. (Dr.) Harsha Halahalli, Registrar, Nitte University; Dr. Sirse Kranti Kumar, Registrar, Karnataka State Pharmacy Council (KSPC), Bengaluru, Dr. Dinesh Jaiswal, Jaiswal DMK, New York, USA and Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Associate Professor, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Egypt.

The Awards ceremony recognized outstanding contributions in research, innovation and academic excellence. Delegates, students and researchers who demonstrated excellence in their respective fields were honoured for their achievements. The event concluded on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, bringing SPER 2025 to a memorable close.

SPER 2025 played a crucial role in advancing pharmaceutical sciences, inspiring future research and reinforcing the commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation. Dr. Akhilesh Dubey, Asst. Professor, NGSMIPS organized the event.