Dr. VinodKumar C.S. is a renowned researcher in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacteriophage therapy. Since 1999, he has pioneered innovative approaches to combat drug-resistant infections using bacteriophages. His groundbreaking work includes developing advanced animal models to study phage kinetics and host interactions. Currently a distinguished Professor of Microbiology at S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka, India, he is dedicated to finding sustainable antibiotic alternatives. Through dynamic collaborations with international organizations, he actively advances bacteriophage research and clinical applications, contributing to the global fight against AMR with visionary and impactful solutions..

Dr Balaji Veeraraghavan is working as Professor, Department of Microbiology, CMC, Vellore. His major research focus is on two major areas, which includes Vaccine Preventable Invasive Bacterial Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in clinically relevant pathogens. He is the principal investigator for vaccine-preventable invasive bacterial disease surveillance for the World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia Region and national nodal center for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii as well as enteric infections

Prof. P. Palani is the Director and Head of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany at the University of Madras, Chennai. His research expertise spans molecular plant pathology, fungal pathology, and bacteriophage-mediated biological control of bacterial diseases in plants. He has conducted extensive studies on Candida albicans gene expression at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Centre. Since joining CAS in Botany in 2004, his lab has focused on using bacteriophages to control bacterial crop diseases. He served as the Organizing Secretary of ICBRAR-2023 and was awarded the Fellow of the Society of Bacteriophage Research and Therapy in 2023.

Dr. Bruno Silvester Lopes is an expert in molecular epidemiology, focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Campylobacter spp., and Helicobacter pylori. His research explores the ecology, evolution, and resistance mechanisms of these pathogens, using genomic data to track AMR trends. Dr. Lopes has extensive experience in data-driven surveillance, contributing to global health policies through high-impact publications. His work focuses on integrating collaborative approaches, including AI, to improve disease monitoring, strengthen evidence-based public health interventions, and advance global health equity through partnerships across diverse international research networks.

Dr. Khatuna Makalatia is a renowned microbiologist from Georgia, specializing in bacteriophage research. She holds a Doctor of Biological Sciences degree from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. Currently, she is the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Teaching University Geomedi and a senior researcher at the G. Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology, and Virology. Her work focuses on bacteriophage therapy and its applications in combating bacterial infections. Dr. Makalatia has made significant contributions to microbiology, particularly in antimicrobial resistance research, and continues to play a key role in advancing phage-based therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Frenk Smrekar is founder and CEO of JAFRAL, world’s biggest CDMO for production of phage-based products. JAFRAL is producing phage products for various applications: human therapeutics, veterinary, cosmetics, food supplements, etc. to different quality: R&D, preclinical, clinical and commercial use. Dr. Smrekar has helped to develop products that have been later used in clinical trials across the world: US, EU and Australia. This means that documentation was reviewed and successfully approved by all these various regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA and TGA)

Dr. Ramesh N obtained his PhD in Microbiology from Bharathidasan University. He was the awardee of the British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. He is an Associate professor at the School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore. He is the National Joint Coordinator in IIMAR. He is a recipient of Young Scientist Fellow in DST-SERB. He has published 95 research papers, 5 book chapters. He has received five awards. He has been identified as a member of the expert committee by the DG, ICMR, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India for Bacteriophage Therapy

Dr. Suresh Basavaraj Arakera is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Department of Applied Genetics at Karnatak University Dharwad, Karnataka, India with about 11 years of experience. He earned M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Applied Genetics from Karnatak University. Dr. Suresh contributed for the establishment of Marine Genetics Laboratory at Department of Marine Biology, Karnatak University Post Graduate Center at Kodibag, Karwar and also served as Nodal officer of Covid19 testing laboratory at Dharwawd Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciencs (DIMHANS) during covid19 outbreak. Presently his group working in the field of Molecular Medicine and Microbial Genetics with focus on AMR, bacteriophages, phage display and molecular diagnostics

Dr. Kaushik Rajaram is an Assistant Professor at the Dept of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu. After completing his doctorate in Bomedical Science at Hasselt University in Belgium, he worked as a postdoctoral scientist at several prestigious institutions around the globe. His research lab focuses on phage- displayed peptides and nanobodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. He extends his research interest in phage therapy, identifies lytic phages against different Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) pathogens, and develops phage based scaffolds for infection control and wound healing. His lab also develops antibiotic and non-antibiotic phage combinations to combat phage resistance in pathogens

Dr. Prasanth Manohar is a phage biologist and research associate at the Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. His research interests encompass the fields of bacteriophage biology, prokaryotic and phage genomics, genetic engineering, and phage therapy. The main focus is on the mechanisms by which phage cause lysis of their bacterial hosts. His current research primarily focuses on the hunt for single-stranded RNA phages and their lysis protein (Single Gene Lysis) which attacks the bacterial cell wall machinery. Research on phage therapeutics includes the preparation of phage cocktails to treat complex, difficult-to-treat, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections

Dr. Veni Emilda JK is an academician and researcher with a PhD in Medical Microbiology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Karnataka, specializing in Community-acquired MRSA. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Microbiology at SS Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Karnataka. Dr. Veni is well-trained in molecular biology techniques, laboratory quality management systems, and medical education, which have significantly enhanced her research, teaching, and laboratory practices. She has authored publications in prestigious national and international journals and contributed chapters for textbooks. Her work integrates research, teaching, and laboratory practices to make significant contributions to the field of microbiology. With a strong focus on bacteriophage research, she is exploring innovative therapeutic approaches to combat bacterial infections considering the growing concern around antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Nitin A. Bandekar, an MCh graduate in Plastic Surgery from King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, has advanced training in Cosmetic and Pediatric Cosmetic Surgery from The Wadia Hospital and fellowships in Oncological Surgical Reconstruction and Cosmetic Surgery. He has been serving as a Professor of Plastic Surgery at S. S. Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka, since 2007. Dr. Nitin specializes in cosmetology, reconstructive surgeries, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and bacteriophage therapy. Additionally, he has contributed to studies on AMR and various publications

Dr. Suneeta Kalasuramath is a highly accomplished and dedicated Professor of Physiology at S. S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Karnataka, India. With an extensive and illustrious career spanning over 25 years, she has made significant contributions to both teaching and research. Her diverse research interests encompass critical areas such as nutrition, women’s and child health, innovative bacteriophage therapy, animal experimentation, and progressive advancements in medical education. Through her expertise and passion for academia, she continues to inspire students and contribute meaningfully to the field of medical sciences.

Dr. Malabika Biswas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Bose Institute, Kolkata, in 2008. Dr. Biswas’s groundbreaking research on the bacteriophage Φ11 and its role in combating antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has advanced the development of regulated vectors and molecular biology tools. Her work focuses on bacteriocidal proteins and strategies to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dedicated to public health, Dr. Biswas aims to innovate therapeutic approaches, contributing significantly to microbial genetics and infectious disease research

Dr. Pradeep A N is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at SS Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka, with a PhD in Medical Pharmacology from Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Chennai. His research focuses on the efficacy of bacteriophages as a therapeutic alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Dr. Pradeep specializes in pre-clinical studies and laboratory techniques, with expertise in pharmacology and medical education. He has authored several publications in national and international journals, contributing to advancements in pharmacological research, particularly in antimicrobial resistance