The Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University)  organized a one-day International Conference – ENZYbridge 2k24 – Bridging Enzymes and Industry for a Sustainable Future” on 14th March 2024 in L.F. Rasquinha Hall of the College. 

Dr Soottawat Benjakul, Professor, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, was the Chief Guest. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the programme.  Dr Narayana Bhat, Director of Science Block, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar & Controller of Examinations, Dr Hemachandra, Dean of Biological Sciences, Ms Shameena, Convenor of the programme, Dr Vaishali Rai and Dr Sana Sheikh, Co-convenors were present on the dais.

Dr Soottawat Benjakul in his address gave brief glimpses of enzymes and its uses in food science and industry. He also briefed how to link the enzymes to the food industry and bring it to the markets. During his keynote address, he emphasized on Fish and Shellfish Visceral Proteases: Molecular characteristics, recovery and potential applications.

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks congratulated the departments for organizing such a useful conference. He told the audience that the Enzymes are the nature’s catalysts and must discover and collaborate it scientifically to connect it to the industry.

During the programme, there were 3 sessions by the eminent speakers such as Dr Robin Joshi, Senior Research Investigator, Department of Systems, Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, ITMAT University of Pennsylvania, who spoke on the topic – ‘Metabolomics: A Tool to Explore Dark Metabolites’. Dr Dharam Singh, Principal Scientist, CSIR – Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, India, spoke on the topic – ‘An Extremozymes from Himalayan Niches: A Learning and Industrial Perspectives’. Mr Mallikarjun C P, Research Scholar, ICE-SSI, Faculty of Agro-industry, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand spoke on the topic ‘Rapid Softening of Mantis Shrimp Meat during Iced Storages: Role of Endogenous Proteases and its Prevention’.

Around 400 students and research scholars from various colleges participated in this conference.

Dr Renita Maria D’Souza compered the Programme. Dr Hemachandra, Dean of Biological Sciences welcomed the gathering. Dr Sana Sheikh introduced the Chief Guest. Ms Shameena proposed the vote of thanks.