Overview

RDC is organizing an insightful talk titled “Evolution: The Rise of Chemistry and the Birth of Biology.” This lecture will explore one of the most fascinating scientific questions—how life emerged from non-living matter. The session will discuss the transformation of simple chemical compounds on early Earth into complex biological systems, highlighting the role of chemical evolution in the origin of life.

The talk will cover key concepts such as the formation of organic molecules, the development of self-replicating systems, and the gradual transition from chemistry to primitive biological processes. It will also provide an interdisciplinary perspective connecting chemistry, biology, and evolutionary science to understand how life began and evolved over time.

Objectives of Event

To introduce the concept of evolution in the context of chemistry and biology and explain how chemical processes contributed to the origin and development of life.

To understand the role of chemical evolution in the formation of simple organic molecules and their transformation into complex biological systems.

To highlight the transition from non-living chemical systems to living organisms, emphasizing the relationship between chemistry and biology in the early stages of life on Earth.

To familiarize participants with major scientific theories and experiments related to the origin of life, including prebiotic chemistry and molecular evolution.

To promote interdisciplinary understanding by demonstrating how chemistry laid the foundation for biological processes and the emergence of life sciences.

To encourage scientific curiosity and critical thinking among students regarding the evolution of life and the fundamental role of chemical reactions in biological systems.

Outcomes of the Event:

Participants gained an understanding of the relationship between chemistry and biology in explaining the origin and evolution of life.

Students developed knowledge about chemical evolution and prebiotic chemistry, including how simple molecules may have formed complex biological compounds.

Participants became familiar with key theories and scientific developments related to the origin and evolution of life.

The lecture enhanced interdisciplinary learning, helping students connect concepts from chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.

Students developed increased interest in evolutionary science and molecular biology, motivating them to explore related research areas.

Participants improved their scientific awareness and analytical thinking, enabling them to better understand how life emerged from chemical processes.

Participants in the event:

Students and Faculties of Sharda University and participants from other universities and academic institutions across the region.

Convener Details

·       Prof. S E Hasnain, Prof. Emeritus, Deprtment of Life Science

Co-ordinators:

·       Prof. (Dr.) Bhuvnesh Kumar, Dean Research, Sharda, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences

Chief Guest Details:

Dr. Padmanabhan Balaram

Dr. Padmanabhan Balaram obtained his B.Sc. (1967) from Poona University, M.Sc. (1969) from IIT Kanpur and Ph.D. (1972) in chemistry from the Carnegie-Mellon University, USA. He was a Research Associate at Harvard University (1972-73). He served on the faculty of the Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore from 1973 to 2014. He was Director of IISc from 2005-2014. He has been associated with the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore since 2017.  His research contributions have been in the areas of Molecular Biophysics and Chemical Biology.

He was the Editor of Current Science from 1995 to 2013, during which he authored over 300 editorials on diverse subjects related to science and scientists.

He is the recipient of several awards and honours, including Padma Shri (2002), Padma Bhushan (2014) and the R. Bruce Merrifield Award 2021 of the American Peptide Society and the Ernesto Scoffone Prize of the Italian Peptide Society 2024.

Speaker Details:

• Dr. Padmanabhan Balaram