Dear Delegates,

It is my privilege to invite you, on behalf of the Epidemiological Foundation of India, to participate in this conference. The Foundation has, over the years, remained committed to advancing the science and practice of epidemiology in our country— nurturing research, strengthening field capacity, and bringing together a community of professionals dedicated to improving population health. This conference is a natural extension of that mission: a platform where knowledge is shared, ideas are debated, and the bonds within our discipline are renewed. I extend a warm and personal invitation to researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students to join us and contribute to what promises to be a stimulating and rewarding gathering.

The strength of any scientific community lies in its willingness to come together, to learn from one another, and to confront shared challenges with a common purpose. Epidemiology in India has grown remarkably in both depth and reach, yet the demands placed upon it continue to evolve—new pathogens, changing disease burdens, and rising expectations of  evidence-informed policy. Gatherings such as this one allow us to take stock of how far we have come, to identify the gaps that remain, and to chart a path forward together. It is in this spirit of collective endeavour that the Foundation lends its wholehearted support to this conference.

The theme of this year's conference—“Data to Decisions for Responsive and Resilient Health Systems”—could not be more timely. The experience of recent years has shown that health systems endure not by chance but by design, and that good design rests on timely, trustworthy data translated into sound decisions. Epidemiology lies at the very heart of this translation, turning observation into evidence and evidence into action. I encourage you to attend, to engage fully, and to add your voice to these deliberations. I look forward to welcoming you, and I am confident your participation will be both meaningful and memorable.

Warm regards,

Dr. Umesh Kapil
President
Epidemiology Foundation of India