National Science Day 2026 was celebrated at the Centre for Industrial Biotechnology Research (CIBR), Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, on 28 February 2026. The event focused on the theme “Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Vaccination.” The programme was conducted from 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM and aimed to promote public health awareness, scientific understanding, and preventive healthcare strategies related to cervical cancer.
The programme was organized as a joint initiative of CIBR, SOA Deemed to be University, NewRedmars Education Pvt. Ltd., and ABC Foundation. The event also coincided with the nationwide push for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, highlighting the role of science and biotechnology in protecting women’s health and preventing cervical cancer.
Inaugural Session and Dignitaries
The event was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) H. N. Thatoi, Director of CIBR, SOA University. The Chief Guest was Prof. Bibhuti Bhushan Pradhan, Registrar of SOA University. The Chief Speaker was Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Rout, Former Dean and Director of Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC), Odisha.
Several distinguished guests attended the programme, including Prof. Ruchi Bhunya, Dean of IDS at IMS & SUM Hospital, Dr. E. Venkata Rao, Professor of Community Medicine at IMS & SUM Hospital, and Prof. Enketeswara Subudhi from the Centre for Biotechnology (CBT), SOA University.
In his address, Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Rout discussed the increasing burden of cervical cancer in India and emphasized the importance of early screening, HPV vaccination, and community awareness in reducing mortality rates. He highlighted that cervical cancer is largely preventable when timely vaccination and screening measures are implemented.
Scientific and Academic Discussion
The programme brought together academicians, medical professionals, researchers, and students to discuss strategies for cervical cancer prevention. The session focused on raising awareness about HPV infection, vaccination programmes, early detection methods, and the role of biotechnology in healthcare.
Prof. (Dr.) H. N. Thatoi highlighted the ongoing research activities at CIBR. He explained that the centre is actively engaged in translational biotechnology research, including work on biofertilizers, biofuel production, fermented products, fish feed formulation, and vaccine candidate development. He also emphasized the centre’s collaborations with industry partners and research institutions to promote innovation, training, and entrepreneurship.
Presentation on Vaccine Design Research
During the programme, Dr. Amrita Banerjee, Assistant Professor (Research) at CIBR, delivered a presentation on an mRNA vaccine design platform developed in collaboration with Prof. B. Pattnaik of SOA University and the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
She explained that the platform integrates computational biology, molecular optimization, and translational assessment to design effective vaccine candidates. According to her presentation, the research platform has already generated 18 synthetic mRNA vaccine constructs targeting human, bovine, and porcine pathogens. One candidate targeting Human Metapneumovirus has been submitted for an Indian patent application, reflecting progress in indigenous vaccine innovation aligned with national biotechnology initiatives such as BioE3 and One Health.
Release of the Science Magazine “Vigyaksha”
A major highlight of the event was the formal release of the science magazine “Vigyaksha – Special Issue on Cervical Cancer Awareness.” The magazine aims to communicate scientific information in a simple and accessible format, covering topics such as HPV vaccination, cervical cancer prevention, myths and facts, screening methods, and the role of biotechnology in public health.
The magazine was published under the leadership of Dr. Umesh Kumar Parida, Director and CEO of NewRedmars Education Pvt. Ltd. (Global Publication & Library Research). The publication represents an important step toward strengthening science communication and promoting evidence-based awareness in society.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a valedictory session and vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Amrita Banerjee, followed by an interactive discussion among participants. The celebration successfully combined scientific dialogue, public health awareness, and academic engagement, reflecting the spirit of National Science Day.
Overall, the programme demonstrated how scientific research, education, and community outreach can work together to address major health challenges such as cervical cancer. By promoting HPV vaccination and encouraging early screening, the initiative reinforced the importance of science in improving public health and societal well-being.
