BHU to Host APACON 2026: A Landmark National Scientific Conference
Banaras Hindu University's Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences will host APACON 2026 to discuss sustainable livestock productivity and animal physiology.
In a significant academic milestone, the Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (FVAS) at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is set to host the 6th Annual Conference of the Animal Physiologists Association (APACON-2026). This event, scheduled for October 5-6, 2026, marks the first major national scientific conference organized by the Faculty at the Rajiv Gandhi South Campus in Mirzapur.
Organized by the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry in collaboration with the Animal Physiologists Association (APA), the conference aims to elevate the research and professional standing of the South Campus on a national stage.
Focusing on Sustainable Livestock for Viksit Bharat
The theme for APACON-2026 is “Emerging Paradigms in Animal Physiology for Sustainable Livestock Productivity Towards Viksit Bharat.” This central theme addresses the pressing contemporary challenges within the livestock sector, particularly in the face of global shifts.
As the world grapples with climate change, rising heat stress, emerging diseases, and resource limitations, the role of animal physiology becomes critical. The conference will explore how scientific understanding of animal health, nutrition, reproduction, and welfare can meet the increasing global demand for safe and sustainable animal products.
Key Scientific Areas of Discussion
The symposium will feature deep dives into several cutting-edge scientific domains, including:
- Climate-resilient livestock production: Strategies to maintain productivity despite changing environments.
- Advanced Physiology: Discussions on stress physiology and reproductive physiology.
- Technology in Farming: Exploring assisted reproductive technologies and precision livestock farming.
- Genetics and Nutrition: Insights into genomics, nutrigenomics, and the conservation of indigenous livestock breeds.
- Dairy Development: Innovative approaches to sustainable dairy production.
A Gathering of Global Experts and Industry Leaders
APACON-2026 is expected to serve as a massive melting pot for scientists, academicians, veterinarians, and researchers from across India. The event will also draw experts from allied fields such as biotechnology, biomedical engineering, zoology, and translational sciences.
The conference has garnered prestigious support from several high-level organizations, including:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
- Institute of Eminence (IoE), Ministry of Education, Government of India
Industry giants such as Virbac, IMV, and Minitube are also officially associated with the event, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Distinguished Guests and Leadership
The inaugural session will feature Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, as the Chief Guest, with Ravi Kumar Gandham, Director of the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), attending as the Guest of Honour.
The organizing leadership includes several prominent figures in the field, such as V. K. Mishra (Director, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU), G. Taru Sharma (Founder President, APA), and Gyanendra Singh (President, APA), alongside other key academic heads from BHU and ICAR-IVRI.
Beyond the high-level scientific debates, the conference is designed to be a vital platform for young researchers and students. It will provide them with rare opportunities to interact with leading experts, present their own findings, and build professional networks that could shape the future of veterinary science in India.