Organised in partnership with Nature Medicine, Nature Microbiology, Nature Health and Nature Communications, the conference brings together researchers, clinicians, public health experts, policymakers and industry representatives to exchange scientific findings, discuss emerging research and develop collaborative approaches to infectious disease challenges.
The discussions focus on major global health priorities, including emerging and re-emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccination strategies and the One Health approach.
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, emphasised the need to strengthen global health security in response to emerging infectious disease threats. Highlighting how pathogens cross geographical boundaries, he said, “Human beings have become increasingly adept at crossing borders, but pathogens have become even more adept. They do not need passports or visas, reminding us that infectious diseases are a global challenge that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that health security is inseparable from human security and underscored the need for stronger surveillance, preparedness, and equitable access to healthcare.”
Dr Rao further highlighted that tackling infectious diseases requires collaboration across medicine, pharmacy, engineering, data science, behavioural sciences and public health policy. He also underscored the critical role of universities in fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that translate scientific research into meaningful public health outcomes.
Dr Jessica Thompson, Senior Editor at Nature Microbiology, opened the proceedings by welcoming attendees on behalf of the Nature editorial team and outlining the scientific discussions scheduled for the day.
The conference programme features expert-led sessions covering disease surveillance modelling, ranging from outbreak forecasting to the design of surveillance systems. Other key topics include One Health digital platforms, the role of network structure and multimodality, data-to-decision-making, population genomics, translational intelligence and antimicrobial resistance surveillance in the Indian scenario.
By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines and countries, the conference provides a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration on infectious disease prevention, preparedness and control. Its hosting also reinforces MAHE's growing role as a global hub for health sciences research and reflects the institution's commitment to advancing infectious disease research, international scientific cooperation and evidence-based solutions to emerging public health challenges.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education offers more than 400 specialisations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S). Its constituent units operate across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur and Dubai.
With a track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure and contributions to research, MAHE has received national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded the university Institution of Eminence status. MAHE is currently ranked third in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings and remains a choice for students seeking academic opportunities and campus experiences, as well as national and multinational corporations seeking talent.
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