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October 24 – 25, 2025

National Conference on Drug Design and Discovery

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
Kochi

about

The National Conference on Drug Design and Discovery is a premier academic event aimed at exploring the next frontiers in pharmaceutical innovation. As the drug discovery landscape undergoes a technological revolution, this conference brings together leading researchers, industry professionals, academicians, and students to discuss transformative trends and technologies shaping the future of drug development. The conference will focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), target-based screening, molecular dynamics, and computational tools to accelerate the identification, optimization,
and validation of novel therapeutic agents. With increasing demand for precision medicines and faster R&D pipelines, the event provides a timely platform to examine how digital technologies are driving the shift from traditional drug discovery methods to more efficient, data-driven approaches.

objectives

To highlight recent advances in AI and ML applications in drug design
To showcase the role of target-based screening and molecular modeling
To encourage young researchers to engage in computational drug discovery
To provide hands-on experience through preconference workshops on molecular
docking and network pharmacology

why attend

Pre – conference workshop

Module 1: Molecular Docking Studies

Led by Dr. Bijo Mathew, Professor,
Dept of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita school of Pharmacy

Software Used: MZ Dock

Session Aides: Ms Sachithra S (PhD Scholars Amrita school of Pharmacy)

This module introduces participants to the fundamentals of molecular docking, a key in silico tool in structure-based drug design. Using MZ Dock, participants will gain insights into:

  • Basics of ligand–receptor interactions
  • Protein and ligand preparation
  • Docking protocol setup and execution
  • Scoring functions and interpretation of binding results
  • Case studies demonstrating application in hit identification

This session is ideal for beginners and intermediates aiming to explore virtual screening and binding affinity predictions in early-stage drug discovery.

Module 2: Network Pharmacology

Led by Dr. Aneesh T. P., Associate Professor & HOD,
Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita school of Pharmacy

Software Used: STRING Database & Cytoscape

Session Aides: Ms Sonu Benny, Mr. Vishnu V R (PhD Scholars Amrita school of Pharmacy)

This module provides an overview of systems-level drug discovery using network pharmacology approaches, enabling participants to:

  • Identify and construct protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks
  • Use the STRING database for target prediction and functional enrichment analysis
  • Visualize and analyze biological networks using Cytoscape
  • Interpret network topology and identify key regulatory nodes
  • Apply network pharmacology to multi-target drug design and disease pathway mapping

Participants will walk away with a strong foundation in integrating biological data for multi-target drug discovery and mechanism-of-action prediction.

registration fees

CategoryWorkshop OnlyConference OnlyBoth Workshop & ConferenceEarly Bird
UG/PG Students₹ 1000₹ 750₹ 1500₹ 1300
IPASF Members₹ 900₹ 650₹ 1300₹ 1100
IPA Members₹ 1400₹ 900₹ 2000₹ 1800
Research Scholars₹ 1500₹ 1000₹ 2200₹ 2000

call for abstracts for poster presentation

We are pleased to invite students, researchers, faculty members, and industry professionals to submit abstracts for poster presentations at the upcoming National Conference on Drug Design and Discovery.

Poster presentations serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing original research, case studies, and innovative methodologies in the field of drug discovery. Scientific papers may be submitted under (but not limited to) the following categories:

Certificates of participation will be awarded to all presenters.

Best Poster Awards will be presented to the outstanding entries, with recognition to the presenting authors. Note: Submissions are not limited to the categories listed above. Authors are welcome to present work on allied topics relevant to the conference theme.

Poster Presentation Guidelines

Content & Structure

A scientific poster should follow a logical flow that includes the following sections:

  • Title: Clear, informative, and concise. Should reflect the essence of the study.
  • Authors & Affiliations: Include full names, designations, and institutional affiliations.
  • Introduction/Background: Brief overview and rationale for the study.
  • Objectives: Clearly stated aim(s) of the study.
  • Methodology: Concise description of methods used (materials, study design etc.).
  • Results: Key findings presented through figures, tables, and bullet points.
  • Discussion: Interpretation of results, limitations, and relevance.
  • Conclusion: summary of findings.
  • References (if applicable): Only the most relevant and recent references (limit to 3 – 5).
  • Acknowledgments: Optional, to thank contributor’s/funding agencies.

Poster Design

Size & Dimensions

  • Standard size is usually 36” x 48” (3 ft x 4 ft) in landscape or portrait format.

Layout

  • Use columns for better readability.
  • Keep spacing between sections for clarity.

Font Sizes

  • Title: 72 – 100 pt,
  • Headings: 36 – 48 pt,
  • Body text: 24 – 32 pt,
  • Captions/References: 18 – 24 pt

Color Scheme

  • Use high-contrast colors.
  • Prefer a light background with dark text.
  • Avoid overly bright or clashing color schemes. Visuals:
  • Use graphs and diagrams instead of heavy text.
  • Ensure images are of high resolution (300 dpi or above).
  • Label all figures and tables properly. Sustainable and Eco-friendly Practices
  • Use recycled or biodegradable materials for printing posters wherever possible.
  • Avoid plastic lamination; consider reusable fabric-based posters.

A well-prepared poster presentation reflects both the quality of your research and your ability to communicate it. Use this opportunity not only to share your findings but also to connect, collaborate, and grow as a researcher.

important dates

  • September 30, 2025

    Early Bird Registration

  • October 10, 2025

    Last Date for Abstract Submission

  • October 12, 2025

    Notification of Acceptance

  • October 14, 2025

    Last Date for Registration

  • October 24 – 25, 2025

    Workshop & Conference Dates

Team

Dr. K. Krishna Kumar
Principal, St.James College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Chalakudy

Dr. Arun Rasheed
Vice Principal & Professor,
Al Shifa College of Pharmacy,
Malappuaram

Dr. David Paul
Assistant Professor,
Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis,
NIPER, Kolkata

Dr. Bijo Mathew
Professor & HOD of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
Amrita School of Pharmacy,
Kochi.

Dr. Aravind A
Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry,
Govt. College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. Preeja G Pillai
Principal,
Mar Dioscorus College of Pharmacy,
Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. Sapna Shrikumar
Principal
Ahalia School of Pharmacy
Palakkad

Dr. Aneesh TP
Associate Professor & HOD,
Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
Amrita School of Pharmacy, Kochi

Dr. Sutharson L
Principal,
Nirmala College of Health Science,
Chalakudy

Dr. Akash Marathakam
Professor & HOD, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
Sree Gokulam College of Pharmacy,
Alappuzha

Dr. Biju CR
Vice Principal & Professor, Devaki Amma Memorial
College of Pharmacy,
Malappuram

Dr. Badmanaban
Principal,
Nirmala College of Pharmacy
Muvattupuzha

Contact

pharmaprincipal@aims.amrita.edu
Mob: 9447556410,
9400939292, 9388019388

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