생화학분자생물학회

Naveen Vankadari

University of Melbourne

naveen.vankadari@unimelb.edu.au

It was a my honor to selected for 2025 YSP and to represent the University of Melbourne as a research fellow and lecturer at the 2025 FAOBMB International Conference in Busan. The event, spanning from May 20th to 23rd, was an extraordinary fusion of scientific excellence, cultural immersion, and invaluable networking. The experience was truly transformative, leaving me with not only new research insights but also a network of collaborators and friends that I will cherish for years to come.

The three-day YSP event May 18 to 20, at Prestige Biopharma was a fantastic prelude to the main conference. The industry and R&D facility visits and talks provided a unique perspective on the translational side of bioscience. Most importantly, it was here that I connected with an incredible group of young researchers from across Asia and Oceania, particularly from South Korea. The talks and poster sessions has made impactfull scientific connect and knowledge share. Our casual day trips, including a memorable seaside cable car ride and a "beach walk and chat," allowed for genuine, insightful interactions that went beyond the formal academic setting. These connections were far more than just professional; they blossomed into true friendships. I am delighted to that we are building a research collaborations between the University of Melbourne and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB) and Pusan National University—a direct and tangible outcome of the relationships forged at this event and making new friends.

The YSP and FAOBMB conference itself was an intellectual feast. The plenary lectures, delivered by distinguished scientists including a Nobel laureate and the renowned Prof. Kazutoshi Mori, were nothing short of outstanding. Their presentations were a masterclass in scientific communication, providing a glimpse into the cutting edge of biomedical innovation. The scientific talks and poster sessions from my fellow YSP participants and others were equally impressive, sparking lively discussions that felt more like a brainstorming session among peers than a formal Q&A. I was honoured to be one of the speaker. This environment of open dialogue and shared passion was incredibly stimulating and reinforced the sense of a cohesive global scientific community.

Beyond the lab and lecture halls, my time in Busan was made special by the city's vibrant culture and cuisine. Sharing delicious Korean fried chicken and hotpots with my new friends during YSP and entire conference after a long day of talks was a perfect way to relax and deepen our connections. This event was a powerful reminder of how shared passion, whether for science or for food, can bridge geographical and cultural divides.

In conclusion, my participation in the YSP-FAOBMB 2025 event was a career highlight. It was a catalyst for future collaborations, a source of profound scientific inspiration, and a platform for forging lasting friendships. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to carrying the passion and energy from this experience into my future research endeavors.