International Symposium on Phycological Research Begins in BHU

Varanasi, February 25, 2010: Three-day International Symposium on Phycological Research (ISPR – 2010) began at Swatantra Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here today. About 23 delegates from Japan, Republic of Korea, China, UK, USA, Spain, Finland, Australia and The Netherlands and around 350 Indian scholars have been participating in the symposium.


The theme of the symposium was to cover different aspect of phycological research right from basic to applied, the latter covering area of bio-fuels, role of algae in bioremediation, environmental clean up strategies and role of ages as biofertilezer, food and feed and in the manufacturer of medicines and other products for human welfare.


While welcoming the delegates, Professor AK Rai, convener of the symposium, apprised of the aims of organizing the event. Professor BR Chaudhary narrated in brief the achievements and research highlights of the department which was established in 1919, the first PG department in the country.


Professor Surendra Singh, organizing secretary, presented the theme of the symposium. The chief guest of the function was Professor RW Castenhelz, former director and presently Professor Emeritus in the Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Oregon. Professor Castenhelz, who is over 80 years old, was happy to be in Varanasi. He released the abstract book of the proceedings along with vice-chancellor of BHU Professor DP Singh.


Prof. Castenholz is known for his work on disordered and complex taxonomy of cyanobacteria. He has been heavily involved in writing and editing the cyanobacterial sections in two editions of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology (1989 and 2001). He has been honoured several times (naming a few, J.S. Guggenheim Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, Fellow AAAS; Trustee, Bergey’s Mannual Trust, Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology and Bergey Medal for Distinguished Achievement in Bacterial Taxonomy).


While welcoming the chief guest, Professor DP Singh said he was happy to have him in Varanasi. He welcomed other important guests particularly Professor Ohmori, Professor Takabe, Professor Kawano, Professor Nakamoto (From Japan), Professor Lucas J. Stal (from The Netherlands), Professor Neilan, Professor. Jacob John, Professor Keesing (from Australia), Professor Whitton, Professor Head, Professor Hayes (from UK), Prof. He-Mock Oh (from Republic of Korea), Prof. Sivonen, Prof. Eva-Mari Aro (from Finland), Prof. Aboal (from Spain), Prof. Ardelean (from Romania), Prof. Liu (from China), Dr. Apte, Prof. Bhatacharjee, Prof. B.S. Rao, Prof. TA Sarma (from India), who took pain and time out to be here.

The BHU vice-chancellor said the Center of Advance Study of Botany is know for its richness in the field of phycology and ecology since 1930. It is also known for high standard work in the field of Environment and Sustainable Development.

Delivering the presidential address, Professor Singh covered almost every part of algol ecology, biology and their role in agriculture, environmental monitoring, assessment and bioremediation. Algae also present the vital resource of green fuel (bio fuel) including non-polluting hydrogen as fuel. The event ended with the vote of thanks by Professor RK Asthana.

Photo caption: BHU vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh and Professor RW Castenhelz were jointly inaugurating the International Symposium on Phycological Research (ISPR – 2010) in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi on February 25, 2010.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU