BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus and IIT Goa successfully co-hosted the XIVth Annual Conference of the Indian Academy of Biomedical Sciences (IABSCON 2026), from 24-26 March 2026 at BITS Pilani’s Goa Campus. The conference was attended by over 350 participants representing various prestigious institutions from different parts of India providing a vibrant platform for students and young researchers, clinicians from nearly all the AIIMS campuses of India, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Pondicherry, SGPGI Lucknow, several IITs as well as major Central Universities.
Centered on the theme “Advancements in Research and Technology for Health”, the conference featured keynote lectures, invited talks, panel discussions, and thematic sessions spanning autoimmune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious diseases, neurological disorders, non-communicable diseases, diagnostics, medical education, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and public health policy. The program also included oral and poster presentations by registered participants.
Distinguished speakers of the Conference included:
Padma Shri Prof. Shyam Sundar (Banaras Hindu University),
Dr. R. Chandrashekar (Joint Drugs Controller, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO),
Prof. Shantanu Sengupta (Phenome India Consortium),
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman (CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)),
Dr. Umesh Kapil (Secretary General, National Academy of Medical Sciences (India)),
Prof. Taruna Madan (Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)),
Prof. Abbas Ali Mahdi (Vice Chancellor, Era University), and
Prof. Dhirendra Katti (Director, IIT Goa),
along with participants from leading institutions including AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, SGPGI, IITs, and central universities.
IABSCON 2026 emerged as a distinguished platform of scientific excellence, intellectual exchange, and academic collaboration. The conference brought together leading scientists, clinicians, industry professionals, and early-career researchers from premier institutions across India, fostering meaningful dialogue and interdisciplinary engagement.
The conference also marked the induction of new fellows into the Indian Academy of Biomedical Sciences and recognized excellence through awards supported by IABS, ACS, RSC, and Springer Nature, including best poster, oral, and young scientist awards.
Participants widely appreciated the high-quality scientific sessions, meticulous organization, and warm hospitality extended by the organizing committee and student volunteers. The event was repeatedly described as a “scientific feast,” reflecting both the depth and diversity of academic deliberations.
Participant Demographics and Representation:
The conference witnessed broad national participation, with Western India contributing the largest share (~35%), followed by Northern India (~30%), Central India (~15%), Southern India (~15%), and Eastern India (~5%).
Notably, the event reflected encouraging gender inclusivity, with female participants constituting approximately 60% and male participants around 40%. These trends highlight the growing diversity and inclusiveness within the biomedical research community.
IABSCON 2026 will be remembered as a landmark academic event that successfully blended scientific rigor with collaborative spirit. By bringing together diverse regions, institutions, and a strong representation of women researchers, the conference reinforced the growing strength, inclusivity, and global outlook of ryhopIndia’s biomedical research ecosystem. It leaves behind a lasting impact on all participants while fostering continued collaboration and innovation in healthcare research.
