Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) is organising its 63rd annual conference at Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, from 05 to 07 December 2024. The Institute deals with military and civil aerospace medicine including the human aspects of space flight programme of the country. Established in the year 1952, it is the only registered society dedicated to promote the knowledge and practice of aerospace medicine in India.

With an aim to advance research, foster knowledge exchange and seek solution to aeromedical challenges, ISAM has been conducting an annual scientific conference since the year 1954. The current conference is themed 'Collaborate for Research' which highlights a forward-thinking approach to foster partnerships and innovations within the fields of aviation and space medicine. The collaboration emphasises the vital need for interdisciplinary co-operation and collective problem solving, to drive meaningful research and development in the field of aerospace medicine.

The conference will be inaugurated by Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, on 05 December 2024. The conference will host a mix of in-person and virtual delegates, drawing approximately 300 attendees from across the country and around the globe. This inclusive hybrid format will feature distinguished professionals in aerospace medicine from military and civil aviation. Participants also include researchers from associated institutions, including prominent members from DRDO labs and notable scientists from ISRO.

Key highlights of the Conference include an oration to be delivered for the Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee memorial by Dr VR Lalithambika, Distinguished Scientist, former Director, Directorate of Human Space Programme (DHSP) ISRO, and presently the Professor of Practice, Dept of  Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras. Another significant oration will include Wg Cdr Karthik Kalyanram (Retd) from the Rishi Valley rural health centre who will deliver, the esteemed Air Vice Marshal MM Srinagesh memorial oration on 06 Dec 24. Additionally, the Jemi Harmusji Framji Manekshaw panel will feature guest lectures from notable experts including Dr SL Vaya, Project Head at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) of the Rashtriya Raksha University, and Dr  Hanumantray Baluragi, Director, DHSP of ISRO.

With over hundred scientific papers to be presented at the conference, the delegates can look forward to scientific discussions, presentations along with networking opportunities aimed at shaping the future of aerospace medicine research and policy in the country.

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VK/JS/SM