DRDO Scientist Calls for Collaboration to Drive Healthcare Innovation

Universities, Hospitals, Industries Must Unite for Healthcare Innovation: DRDO Scientist

Universities, hospitals, and industries need to collaborate to tackle long-term challenges in the healthcare sector, said Raj Shekhar Singh, Director of the Technology Division at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Singh made these remarks during the inaugural session of the international conference on biomaterials, bioengineering, and biotheranostics (BioMed), hosted by VIT University’s School of Bio Sciences and Technology on Wednesday.

AI and Collaboration Key to Transforming Healthcare

Highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, Singh noted that AI-driven diagnostics and biotherapeutics are revolutionising disease detection and treatment. He emphasised the growing need for interdisciplinary collaboration among life scientists, chemists, and AI experts to address complex medical challenges.

Singh also encouraged young researchers to value every idea, regardless of how small it may seem. "Scientific breakthroughs often come from the courage to ask questions," he said, urging students not to fear failure. "Every failed experiment teaches lessons that success cannot."

Ethics and Inclusion in Science

The DRDO scientist underscored the importance of ethics and inclusivity in technological innovation. "Technology with ethics can build trust. Innovation with inclusion can transform society. Science and compassion always go hand-in-hand," he remarked.

Global Participation at BioMed Conference

The three-day BioMed conference has drawn more than 480 participants from 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, and Israel. Key figures in attendance included Deepak Selvaraj, Associate Director of Christian Medical College (CMC); Abhay Pandit, Director of the Centre for Medical Devices at the University of Galway, Ireland; and Sekar Viswanathan, Vice-President of VIT.

The conference serves as a platform for experts across disciplines to discuss advancements in biomaterials, bioengineering, and biotheranostics, aiming to foster innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector.

Source: The Hindu