Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research [SPER] hosts 4th annual international conference and exhibition [SPER 2015] at DIT University, Dehradun on February 27-28, 2015.

Shri Surendra Singh Negi, minister of health & family welfare, Govt of Uttarakhand emphasised on the importance of research in pharmaceutical sciences in the state which is struggling with diseases like swine flu and dengue. He rued the fact that while the whole world is pursuing research in ayurvedic medicines, Uttarakhand which is known for its herbal wealth is still far behind in research and development in this area.

Dr Upendra Nagaich, organizing secretary, SPER 4th Annual International Conference & Exhibition [SPER 2015] presented the annual report of SPER and introduced the delegates about SPER and various activities carried out by it across the country throughout the year. He also shared the information regarding various privileges, grants and scholarships given to the students every year from SPER and about various awards given to the eminent persons and SPER life members every year i.e., Mrs. Sudha Nagaich Memorial Award, SPER Fellowship Award, SPER Eminent Teacher Award, Principal of the year, Young Scientist, Innovative Researcher, Young Teacher, Young Talent, Best Student for UG, PG, Ph.D. Scholar and SPER Women Forum awards.

The conference was in collaboration with DIT University, Dehradun and Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research (JAPTR)-The official Publication of SPER, along with IFTM University, Moradabad, UP as Knowledge Partner, Apeejay Stya University, Gurgaon as university partner and supported by IPA [Education Division], APTI, Bangalore, IPGA, New Delhi, IHPA, New Delhi and Society of Pharmacognosy, Bhopal and sponsored by Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad, Pharma Pramarsh, Rohtak and Bentham Sciences, United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Nagaich shared with delegates about the launch of SPER Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab State Branches in the year 2014. Dr. Nagaich discussed in detail regarding the privileges extended for the life members of Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research [SPER] in the article processing charges (APC) for publication in Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research [JAPTR].

The various scientific lectures were delivered by eminent personalities from academics as well as industry. The key speakers for this conference were Prof. (Dr.) S. H. Ansari, Head, Dept. of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) B. Mishra, Professor & Former Head, IIT-Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Prof. (Dr.) Heng Wan Sia Paul, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Dr. Prakasham Reddy Shetty, Deputy Director & Principal Scientist, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad and Mr. R. K. Jain, President & CEO, East African (India) Overseas, Dehradun.

The first day concluded with the cultural events performed by the young students of DIT University, Dehradun.

The second day of the conference commenced with the scientific lectures of Dr. Eswara Reddy, Joint Drug Controller [India], CDSCO, New Delhi and Dr. Prakasham Reddy Shetty, Deputy Director & Principal Scientist, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad.

Dr. Eswara Reddy highlighted the current scenario of pharmaceutical industry along with the regulatory requirement. Dr. Reddy highlighted the vital role of pharmacists in the country and their contribution for the development of pharmaceutical society and health care system.
 
The valedictory function was inaugurated by Dr. Eswara Reddy, Joint Drug Controller [India], CDSCO, New Delhi and the SPER awards was given by Dr. Eswara Reddy, Joint Drug Controller [India], CDSCO, New Delhi, Dr. Upendra Nagaich, Secretary, Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research [SPER], Prof. K. K. Raina, Vice-Chancellor, DIT University, Dehradun, Mr. R. K. Jain, President & CEO, East African (India) Overseas, Dehradun and Prof. N. V. Satheesh Madhav, Director, Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Dehradun.