DOSI Travel Award

I had the privilege of attending 17th Deep Sea Biology Symposium (17DSBS) held from 12-17 January 2025 at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China. I had the privilege of attending my first-ever Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, a milestone experience that broadened my knowledge and perspectives on this fascinating field.  The event exceeded my expectations, offering invaluable insights into deep-sea biodiversity patterns from diverse regions. The symposium highlighted the urgent need for conservation efforts, particularly in the face of deep-sea mining, which poses a devastating threat to biodiversity. Several researchers have emphasized the importance of protecting deep-sea diversity, including unique ecosystems like cold seeps and hydrothermal vents. The event also underscored the significance of innovative research techniques, such as eDNA and metabarcoding, in monitoring diversity and distribution patterns of microbes and macroorganisms from pelagic and benthic regions. Ultimately, the symposium stressed the vital role of deep-sea researchers in conservation efforts and encouraged collaborative efforts to protect the world's precious deep-sea ecosystems.

I sincerely thank Prof. Pei-Yuan Qian and all other organizers for their wonderful hospitality during this symposium. I am deeply impressed by the exceptional organization, impeccable time management, warm hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail, including food arrangements, transportation, and overall care, provided during this symposium. The entire experience was truly rejuvenating, leaving me feeling inspired, refreshed, and renewed.  I am extremely grateful to DOSI for giving me the Travel award to attend and present my research in this symposium.

This experience has not only broadened my knowledge but also forged connections with fellow researchers, paving the way for potential collaborations and future research initiatives focused on deep-sea biodiversity in Indian waters. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the researchers and colleagues who shared their valuable insights and expertise at this symposium. I am eagerly looking forward to reconnecting with them at future events and continuing the exchange of knowledge and ideas.