Skill Development program on Drug Discovery and Biomedical Research Concludes at IIIM Srinagar Branch

Srinagar : The three‑day Skill Development Program on Drug Discovery and Biomedical Research concluded successfully at the CSIR‑IIIM Srinagar Branch. The hands‑on training, organized by CSIR‑IIIM Srinagar Branch, focused on practical laboratory techniques in biological assays and in vivo mice experiments and brought together early‑career researchers, laboratory professionals, and students for intensive skill building under the CSIR‑Integrated Skill Initiatives.

The Program was organized by Dr Fayaz Malik, Chief Scientist and his Research Group who gave participants hands‑on Training on Drug Discovery and Biomedical Research. Biological Assays and Mice Experiments provided participants with practical exposure to experimental design, assay execution, data collection, and ethical conduct of small animal studies. Over three days, participants completed a structured sequence of laboratory modules with Day 1 focusing on Assay design and in vitro techniques. Participants learned assay selection and optimization, sample preparation, cell based assay setup, and quantitative readouts using spectrophotometric and plate based methods. Emphasis was placed on controls, reproducibility, and data integrity. On Day 2, Participants were given hands on training on biological assays and analytical methods. The second day covered advanced biological assays, dose response analysis, basic pharmacokinetic sampling, and interpretation of assay results. Hands on sessions included ELISA, enzymatic activity assays, and troubleshooting common assay artifacts. The final day introduced ethical considerations, animal handling, dosing techniques, sample collection, and endpoint assessments. Participants practiced humane handling, accurate dosing, and collection of biological samples for downstream analysis while following biosafety and animal welfare standards.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR IIIM Jammu and holding additional charge of CSIR CIMAP Lucknow, sent a virtual message to participants. He congratulated the organizers and trainees and highlighted the importance of integrating rigorous laboratory practice with translational research. He noted that proficiency in assay validation, proper animal model selection, and robust data management is essential for advancing drug discovery pipelines and for producing reproducible, publishable results.

Er. Abdul Rahim, Head IIIM Srinagar Branch and Chief Scientist RMBD & IST, addressed the valedictory session virtually. He commended the practical orientation of the program and underscored the branch’s commitment to building local capacity in preclinical research. He emphasized the need for standardized protocols, quality assurance in biological assays, and adherence to regulatory and ethical frameworks in animal studies.

Dr. Fayaz Malik thanked the faculty, technical staff and participants for their enthusiasm and noted that the interactive module was designed to rapidly upskill attendees in techniques directly relevant to drug discovery workflows. Dr. Reyaz Ul Hassan, Sr. Principal Scientist highlighted the role of careful experimental planning and documentation in translating bench results into actionable leads. Dr. Muzamil Ahmad, Pr. Scientist also spoke at the closing, offering practical tips on data analysis and quality control that participants can apply immediately in their laboratories.

The program was coordinated by Dr. Nasir ul Rasheed, Nodal, Skill Development under CSIR Integrated Skill Initiatives. This training forms part of CSIR’s broader effort to bridge academia and industry through targeted, job oriented skill development.