Universities, hospitals and industries should collaborate with each other to bring long-term solutions for challenges faced by the healthcare sector, said Raj Shekhar Singh, Director, Technology Division, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Wednesday.

The international conference on biomaterials, bioengineering, and biotheranostics (BioMed) was organised by the School of Bio Sciences and Technology at VIT University.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Singh said artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics and biotherapeutics are transforming detection of diseases and treatment. “Interdisciplinary collaboration among life scientists, chemists, and artificial intelligence experts has become essential in the healthcare sector,” he said.

The DRDO scientist urged young researchers and students that they should not underestimate any idea. Scientific breakthroughs often come from the courage to ask questions. Every failed experiment teaches lessons that success cannot. “Technology with ethics can build trust. Innovation with inclusion can transform society. Science and compassion always goes hand-in-hand,” he said.

More than 480 participants from 16 countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, and Israel will attend the three-day event. On the occasion, A. Deepak Selvaraj, Associate Director, Christian Medical College (CMC), Abhay Pandit, Director, Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Ireland, and Sekar Viswanathan, vice-president, VIT, were present.