Srinagar, Oct 5 (KNS): University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan on Monday called for greater collaboration among academic departments and institutions to advance cancer research, while stressing the need for increased funding in the field.

She was speaking at the inaugural function of the three-day 3rd J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers (3rd JK-IBAC-26), organised by the Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation, at Gandhi Bhawan here.

The conference, being held from October 5 to 7, has brought together scientists, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and students from across India and abroad to deliberate on developments in cancer biology, precision oncology, genomics, artificial intelligence, immunotherapy and translational medicine.

Prof Khan said integrated collaborations within the university and with institutions outside it were essential to take cancer research forward.

She also emphasised the need to increase funding opportunities, particularly for cancer research, and appreciated the Department of Bioresources for organising the conference.

Gautam Buddha University Vice Chancellor Prof Rana Pratap Singh, who was the guest of honour, spoke about the application of DNA chips in cancer research and their role in understanding the disease at the molecular level.

The dignitaries also released the conference's Souvenir-cum-Abstract Book and a book titled *AI in Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Proteomics*.

A breast cancer screening camp was also organised for the public as part of the conference's focus on early detection and awareness. The camp was inaugurated by Prof Nilofer Khan.

The technical sessions began with a keynote address by Dr Sameer Koul, Senior Consultant, Surgical and Clinical Oncology, and Coordinator at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, on "Can Humanity Outsmart Cancer? The Emerging Convergence of AI, Precision Medicine and Genetic Engineering".

Koul highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in cancer research and treatment and its convergence with precision medicine and genetic engineering to improve diagnosis and enable personalised therapies.

Prof Rana Pratap Singh delivered an invited keynote on DNA chips in cancer and the transcriptomic landscape and its biological relevance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelProf S Dhanalakshmi of Gautam Buddha University delivered a lead lecture on a novel small molecule inhibitor of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4 for cancer treatment.

Speaking on the university's contribution to breast cancer research, Dean Research Prof Bashir Ahmad Ganai and acting Dean, School of Biological Sciences, Prof Nazir Ahmad Dar, stressed the need for joint research initiatives involving departments such as Biotechnology, Bioresources and Biochemistry.

A dedicated session on funding opportunities and grant mechanisms in cancer research featured Dr Anamika Gambhir of the Department of Biotechnology, Dr Nisha Jose of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Pramod Kumar Prasad of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. They outlined national programmes and funding opportunities available to cancer researchers.

The afternoon session, titled "Unravelling Cancer: New Insights, New Directions", featured lectures by experts from across the country. Poster and oral presentation sessions were also held, providing researchers, clinicians, scholars and students an opportunity to present their findings and interact with experts.

The conference has been approved by the J&K Medical Council for 12 CME credits.

The event is sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC), Government of J&K, and J&K Bank.

The conference will continue on October 6 and 7 with sessions focusing on precision oncology and computational approaches, molecular profiling and targeted therapies, the cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir, and cancer prevention, awareness and public health policy.

A panel discussion on the current cancer scenario in J&K and a breast cancer awareness quiz are also scheduled. The valedictory function and award distribution will be held on October 7, with Director SKIMS Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganie as the chief guest.

Dr Reiaz-ur-Rehman, Head of the Department of Bioresources, proposed the vote of thanks. (KNS)