The three-day International Conference on Molecular Signaling (ICMS 2026) was launched at the Central University of Kerala (CUK). The conference is jointly organized by the School of Biological Sciences at the Central University of Kerala and the Society for Molecular Signaling (India). Padmanabhan Balaram, Senior Visiting Professor at the National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and former Director of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, opened the conference.
In his inaugural speech, Prof. Balaram reflected on the fundamental nature of biology and its deep connection with chemistry. He observed that as people age, they become increasingly 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 nonliving matter, biology is uniquely focused on living matter. At the core, however, all life processes are controlled by atoms and molecules, bringing chemistry to the fore.
“Nothing in biology can be explained other than basic chemistry,” he noted. 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 program was presided over by Siddu P. Algur, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Kerala. In his presidential address, he emphasized that excellence in contemporary research is not built 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 emphasized that these partnerships elevate both the institutions and the young scientists who represent the future of science.
While emphasizing the theme of the conference, the vice-chancellor pointed out the profound importance of biological sciences in solving global challenges. He expressed confidence that discussions at ICMS 2026 will help translate basic research into solutions beneficial to society.
These 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, Society for Molecular Signaling (India) and Co-Patron of ICMS 2026 and other dignitaries who addressed the gathering. Dr. Matt Vijayan, a professor at the University of Calgary, Canada, gave a talk titled “New insights into the role of corticosteroid receptors in adaptation to stress.” Dr. Srabani Mukherjee, Scientist G, ICMR – National Institute for Reproductive Health Research, Mumbai, delivered a talk titled “Life Ahead of Its Time: Dr. Subhas Mukherjee, the Forgotten Visionary of IVF”.
ICMS 2026 aims to provide a cohesive interdisciplinary platform for knowledge exchange and foster interaction between leading scientists, emerging researchers and students in the life sciences.
The three-day conference features four keynote lectures, thirty plenary lectures, ten technical lectures, fourteen short faculty lectures, twelve oral presentations, and twenty-nine poster presentations presenting recent advances and emerging trends in molecular signaling research.
The valedictorian program will be held on March 2, 2026. The valedictorian address will be delivered by Appa Rao Podile, former vice-chancellor of the University of Hyderabad.
Published – 01 March 2026 14:50 IST
