JAMMU, JUNE 18 : CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, through its Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI) and BioNEST Bioincubation Centre, on Thursday launched the 10-day hands-on training programme, “Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 5.0”, aimed at bridging the gap between classroom education and real-world scientific research.
The programme has brought together 42 students from Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, and other educational institutions, providing them with practical exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, research methodologies and innovation ecosystems. A training manual for the workshop was also released during the inaugural session.
Addressing the participants, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, underscored the importance of developing a scientific temperament and research-oriented mindset among students. He said science today extends beyond textbooks and plays a crucial role in shaping every aspect of modern life.
Highlighting the scientific potential of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Ahmed noted that institutions such as IITs, IIMs, central universities and national laboratories are creating new opportunities for aspiring researchers. He said initiatives like Yuva Kaushal Karyashala help connect young minds with innovation and scientific discovery at an early stage.
He also shared insights into ongoing research at IIIM, particularly in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, and highlighted the institute’s progress in developing indigenous therapeutic solutions.
Welcoming the participants, Senior Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, IIIM-TBI, Dr. Saurabh Saran, said the workshop has been designed to provide students with practical knowledge beyond conventional classroom learning. He added that the programme integrates laboratory training with sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation and startups, helping students understand pathways from scientific ideas to viable ventures.
The workshop will offer hands-on training in areas such as natural products chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, analytical sciences, medicinal chemistry, laboratory safety, drug discovery, chromatography, sample preparation and computer-aided drug design.
Senior scientists Dr. Showkat Rashid and Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed also addressed the participants, encouraging students to explore research as a rewarding career and highlighting the significant contributions of CSIR-IIIM in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences.
The inaugural session was attended by scientists, faculty members, research scholars and officials of the institute. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, IIIM-TBI.
