This year, ACTREC proudly joins hands with TIFR–Mumbai, IIT Bombay, IISER Pune, and NCCS Pune to form the ACTIIN Alliance, a vibrant collaborative platform dedicated to exploring the profound nuances of life. Together, we celebrate the 21st Annual NRSM Conference, themed “BioSculptors: Models Decoding Life”—a tribute to the legacy, evolution, and future of model systems across the scientific world.

In this milestone edition, we journey into the very architecture of biological understanding by diving deep into the model systems that have shaped decades of discovery. From the humble organisms that first illuminated genetic principles, to cutting-edge technologies such as organ-on-chips, patient-derived avatars, AI-driven simulations, and next-generation computational frameworks, this year’s conference is an expansive exploration of how models sculpt our comprehension of life itself. We examine how mathematical abstractions, biophysical constructs, chemical systems, and computational blueprints converge to unravel complex biological puzzles—from cell polarity and developmental patterning to molecular evolution, disease dynamics, and personalizable therapeutics.

Our discussions will span the full spectrum of experimental and theoretical approaches, celebrating how the right model—chosen with insight and intention—can transform a simple question into a paradigm-shifting breakthrough. We reflect on how the scientific community has progressed from probing primordial chemical interactions to engineering tissues, predicting biological behavior with mathematical precision, and designing personalized medicine pipelines that redefine healthcare.

NRSM 2025 brings together visionary researchers, seasoned experts, dynamic interdisciplinary thinkers, and most importantly, the emerging voices of young scientists who will lead the next wave of discovery. Through keynote lectures, student talks, poster sessions, panel discussions, and interactive exhibitions, we aim to foster dialogue that challenges conventions, bridges disciplines, and ignites innovation. The conference will highlight not only the successes of model systems but also their limitations, encouraging participants to envision the next generation of biological tools that will push the boundaries of what we can observe, quantify, and ultimately understand.

As always, NRSM remains committed to showcasing student excellence. The stage is set for budding scientists to present their pioneering work, gain valuable feedback, and participate actively in shaping the scientific conversation. Whether you are deciphering evolutionary patterns, engineering synthetic circuits, modeling disease propagation, or exploring novel experimental organisms, NRSM 2025 welcomes you to contribute your insights and creativity.

Join us as we celebrate the models—biological, mathematical, chemical, and computational—that sculpt our understanding of life. Together, let us decode the mysteries that lie at the intersection of imagination, experimentation, and discovery.