Leveraging on breakthroughs in the field of experimental biology will provide innovative solutions to enhance food production, mitigate climate change, combat infectious disease, improve nutritional quality of food, and promote advancement in human health. This submission was made by experts from various scientific fields at the 23rd Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology of Nigeria (NISEB) held at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA on the 13th of August 2024 with the theme : Emerging Technologies in Experimental Biology: Catalysts for Food Security, Wellbeing and Sustainable Development.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Otta, Professor Abiodun Adebayo represented by Professor Olubanke Ogunlana said " Emerging technologies unlock new breakthroughs and offer solutions to critical challenges in the environment. The evolution of technological advancement in experimental biology is a story of continuous innovation and discovery. Each new technology has given rise to a new discipline with the ability to explore and provide solutions to our societal problems".
The don pointed out that to harness the full potential of experimental biology stakeholders must work together to promote innovation, ethical practices inclusive access in addition to increased funding, more collaboration and engaging in public dialogue and capacity building. According to him the future of experimental biology is pivotal in addressing global challenges as technological advancement continues to shape the field of emerging technologies.
Relatedly the Vice Chancellor of Redeemers University, Professor Olufemi Akindele said interdisciplinary research collaborations in the academia, in face of emerging technologies is the way to go. While presenting the conference lecture titled Emerging Trends in Data Analytics for Experimental Biology, he stated that the exponential growth of data has necessitated the use of modern technology. He said " data analysis is transforming experimental biology. It is driving scientific progress. The future of this field holds immense potential to empower scientists extract meaningful research results."
In her remarks the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji said " the significance of experimental biology can be appreciated through its centrality to disciplines in life sciences, health sciences, agriculture, chemical engineering, food science and technology etc. These peculiar scientists not only proffer solutions to many issues of our daily existence but also do so innovatively in order to achieve sustainability."
Earlier in his welcome address, the president, NISEB, Professor Bamidele Owoyele said" NISEB is a multidisciplinary scientific society that brings together many people spread across disciplines in agriculture, life sciences, Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Policy makers, and Administrators. The society continues to address thematic areas of science for development ".
The chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Afolabi Akinmoladun said the conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, share knowledge and collaborate.
High point of the conference was the robing conferment of Honorary and academic fellowships on deserving academics. The Vice chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, who was conferred with the academic fellowship award in 2023, in absentia, was also robed at the conference.
The trio of the Vice Chancellor of the Taraba state university, Professor Paul Bako; the former rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Professor Adebayo Fasakin; and a member of the governing council of FUTA, Professor Oluwole Akinyele were honorary awardees while two other academic fellowship awardees are Professor Akpovughaye Taiga of the Delta state university of science and technology, Ozoro; and Professor E. A. Omoregie of the University of Benin, Edo state.
