Chennai, Aug 6: SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre organised its second International Conference on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases at their campus today. The two-day conference focused on cutting-edge advancements in immunology, vaccinology, virology, system biology, translational medicine and public health.
At the conference, Lifetime achievement award was conferred on Dr. S.P. Thyagarajan, Professor of Eminence and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras, Prof. Rafick Sékaly Professor, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, USA, Prof. Bali Pulendran, Director, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, USA, Prof. Marie Larsson, Professor, Linköping University, Sweden and Dr. Priya Abraham Former Director and Scientist, ICMR–National Institute of Virology , Pune, India.
The Excellence in scientific conference leadership award was presented to Prof. Mirko Paiardini, Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, USA, Dr. Priti Kumar, Associate Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, USA and Dr. Vijayakumar Velu, Associate Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, USA for their outstanding contributions to international scientific collaboration and research leadership.
The conference brought together over 400 delegates including renowned scientists, clinicians, researchers, and public health experts, strengthening scientific collaborations and exploring innovative strategies to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
It highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary research and international partnerships in strengthening global preparedness against evolving infectious disease threats.
More than 30 distinguished speakers took part in eight scientific sessions on various themes including pandemic preparedness, HIV pathogenesis, respiratory virology, mucosal immunity, precision diagnostics, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and global health.
Speaking at the event, Dr SP Thyagarajan said,
“There is a need for coordinated efforts to tackle the growing burden of infectious diseases. We have to have an integrated approach in these programmes. We need rapid, cost-effective molecular diagnostic systems, stronger surveillance programmes, more effective immunisation, and coordinated efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases.”
Prof. Rafick Sékaly,
“One of the most inspiring aspects of iCER-ID 2026 is seeing so many young researchers eager to learn and engage with science. Progress happens when knowledge is shared, questions are encouraged, and ideas are transformed into discoveries that improve global health.”
Dr. Sunil Narayan, Dean (Research), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, said,
“In an era of information overload and misinformation, conferences like iCER-ID 2026 are more important than ever. They connect young researchers with experienced scientists, foster evidence-based learning, and inspire collaborations that advance research and improve healthcare.”
Dr. R. Jayanthi, Dean (Medical), SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, said,
“Scientific progress is accelerated when experts from diverse disciplines come together with a common purpose. iCER-ID 2026 reflects SRMIST’s vision of bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, and public health experts to foster collaborations that advance science and improve patient outcomes.”