International conference on Molecular Signalling (ICMS 2026) begins at CUK

The three-day International Conference on Molecular Signalling (ICMS 2026) commenced at the Central University of Kerala (CUK). The conference is jointly organised by the School of Biological Sciences at Central University of Kerala and the Society for Molecular Signalling (India). Padmanabhan Balaram, Senior Visiting Professor at National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and Former Director of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, inaugurated the conference.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Balaram reflected on the fundamental nature of biology and its deep connection with chemistry. He observed that as people age, they increasingly become aware of their own biology, regardless of their academic background.

Science, he noted, is the study of nature and matter, and while many sciences deal with inanimate matter, biology uniquely focuses on living matter. At its core, however, all life processes are governed by atoms and molecules, bringing chemistry to the forefront.

“Nothing in biology can be explained except in terms of the underlying chemistry,” he remarked. He reiterated the well-known principle that nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution, adding that biology must also be understood through the lens of biochemistry and chemistry.

The programme was presided over by Siddu P. Algur, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Kerala. In his presidential address, he emphasised that excellence in contemporary research is built not in isolation but through collaboration, resource sharing, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Conferences like ICMS, he said, serve as catalysts that transform individual research efforts into collective scientific progress. He underlined that such partnerships elevate institutions as well as young researchers who represent the future of science.

Highlighting the conference theme, the Vice Chancellor noted the profound relevance of life sciences in addressing global challenges. He expressed confidence that discussions at ICMS 2026 would help translate fundamental research into solutions beneficial to society.

Such initiatives, he added, resonate strongly with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where universities act as engines of innovation and knowledge creation.

Agepati S. Raghavendra, President of the Society for Molecular Signalling (India) and Co-Patron of ICMS 2026 and other dignitaries who addressed the gathering. Dr. Matt Vijayan, Professor at the University of Calgary, Canada, delivered a lecture titled ‘Novel Insights into the Action of Corticosteroid Receptors in Stress Adaptation’. Dr. Srabani Mukherjee, Scientist G at the ICMR–National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, presented a talk titled ‘A Life Ahead of Its Time: Dr. Subhas Mukherjee, IVF’s Forgotten Visionary’.

ICMS 2026 aims to provide a cohesive interdisciplinary platform for knowledge exchange and to foster interaction among leading scientists, emerging researchers, and students in the life sciences.

The three-day conference features four lead talks, thirty plenary talks, ten technical sessions, fourteen faculty short talks, twelve oral presentations, and twenty-nine poster presentations showcasing recent advances and emerging trends in molecular signalling research.

The valedictory programme will be held on 2 March 2026. Appa Rao Podile, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, will deliver the valedictory address.