MHRD SPARC sponsored International Symposium on “Reward Circuitry Difference In Addiction And Autism” starts at PU

Chandigarh, October 9, 2024: University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh today organized MHRD SPARC sponsored International Symposium on “Reward Circuitry Difference in Addiction and Autism” to foster research and training in the field of Neuroscience at Golden Jubilee Guest House, Panjab University, Chandigarh. 

MHRD SPARC Symposium is an International event in which International and National faculties came for scientific deliberations.

Professor Anil Kumar, Organizing Chair and Chairperson UIPS welcomed the delegates and briefed about the event. 

Professor Bhavneet Bharti, Director Principal, Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Punjab highlighted on the importance of scientific awareness about autism among Indian population. 

Professor Bikash Medhi, Professor of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Leigh Walker, Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia and Dr Rupinder Kaur, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Bhai Ghanaiya Ji Health Centre, Panjab University Chandigarh presented there views about autism and addiction among Indian and Austarlian population during the inauguration function. 

Dr Anurag Kuhad, Organizing Secretary proposed vote of thanks.

More than 150 faculty members, researchers, scientists and students from Panjab University and other CRIKC institutions participated in this event. 

International Symposium on “REWARD CIRCUITRY DIFFERENCE IN ADDICTION AND AUTISM” is very first event under this MHRD SPARC Scheme. Four scientific talks along with poster presentation session by participating students and researchers were organised. 
 
Professor Bhavneet Bharti, Director Principal, Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Punjab delivered a talk on Autism Uncovered: Insights into the Neurological and Behavioral Spectrum.
 
Professor Bikash Medhi, Professor of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh discussed about Elucidation of New Therapeutic Agents and Development of Experimental Model for Autism: Hope for a Therapy.

Dr Leigh Walker, Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia emphasised on Targeting the Acetylcholine System to treat Alcohol Use Disorder.

Professor Nidhi, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali highlighted on The Neuroscience of Addiction.

Dr Anurag Kuhad, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Coordinator, International Affairs under Dean international Students, Panjab University, Chandigarh has received this prestigious MHRD Scheme for Promotion of Academic & Research Collaboration (SPARC) grant worth 77 Lakhs as Indian Principal Investigator and Professor Andrew J. Lawrence, Director, Florey Institute of Neuroscience, University of Melborne, Australia as Foreign Principal Investigator. 

Indian CO-PIs are Professor Anil Kumar, Chairperson, UIPS and Dr Ranjana Bhandari, Assistant Professor, UIPS along with foreign CO-PI Dr Leigh Walker, Senior Scientist, Florey  Florey Institute of Neuroscience, University of Melborne, Australia.

The team has received this grant for initiating international collaboration for project entitled “Unravelling the Difference in Reward Circuitary between Austistic & Normal Addicts”. This grant involves international collaboration between both institutes where scientists would undertake research understanding the complex interplay of reward circuitry changes in autistic addicts.

This project will initiate international academic and research collaborations, co-publications, International travel of Foreign PIs, foreign visit of Indian/Australian students, publication of book and organisation of workshops/symposiums related to addiction and autism.