KATHMANDU, Nov 6: The second South Asian Symposium on Microbial Ecology, 2023 (SASME 2023), jointly organized by the Microbial Ecology Network – Nepal and Tribhuvan University (TU), has concluded successfully. This three-day symposium took place in Dhulikhel, Nepal, from November 1 to November 3, 2023.

The symposium was inaugurated by Honorable Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ashok Kumar Rai, at Himalaya Drishya Hotel on November 1, 2023. It brought together nearly 200 senior, mid-career, and early career microbial ecologists from various countries in South Asia and beyond.

A total of 130 scientific research papers, including seven plenary and 13 invited talks, were presented during the symposium, with scientists and students representing eleven countries participating in this international event. The symposium also featured three capacity-building workshops, a session dedicated to women scientists, and an industry-academy panel discussion.

One of the key objectives of the symposium was to promote early career researchers and young students in building their research capacity while celebrating the achievements of under-represented researchers, including women scientists in the field of microbial ecology.

In-depth discussions during the symposium revolved around pressing issues such as climate change, which is a real-time problem with a high global burden, especially affecting South Asian countries. The symposium focused on studying the role of microorganisms in the production and inhibition of greenhouse gases to address global warming. Additionally, the event emphasized the need to harness the metabolic capabilities of the vast genetic pool of micro biomes for the benefit of humanity.

 
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