JAMMU, Jun 18: In an effort to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world scientific research, CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, through its Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI) and BioNEST Bioincubation Centre, launched the 10-day hands-on training programme “Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 5.0” in Chemical Sciences here today.
The programme has brought together 42 students from Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu and other institutions, offering them direct exposure to advanced laboratory practices, research methodologies and innovation ecosystems.
A training manual for the programme was also formally released during the inaugural session.
He said science is no longer confined to textbooks or academic classification but has become a way of life that influences every sector. He encouraged students to develop a scientific approach and research mindset irrespective of their future career choices.
Dr. Ahmed stated that Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense scientific and intellectual potential with institutions such as IIT, IIM, central universities and national laboratories creating opportunities for young researchers. He said initiatives like Yuva Kaushal Karyashala are aimed at connecting young minds with scientific innovation at an early stage.
Sharing an example of research excellence at IIIM, he spoke about ongoing work in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. He noted that researchers at the institute successfully modified a naturally derived molecule that initially showed promising anti-cancer activity but had toxicity concerns. Through chemical research and structural modification, scientists improved its safety profile while maintaining therapeutic potential.
He informed that the candidate molecule has progressed through pre-clinical evaluation and received regulatory approval to move into clinical stages, reflecting the institute’s growing contribution to indigenous drug development.
Welcoming the participants, Senior Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, IIIM-TBI, Dr. Saurabh Saran, said the workshop has been specially designed to give students exposure beyond conventional theoretical education.
He said the programme combines laboratory training with sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation and startups, enabling students to understand not only scientific processes but also pathways to convert ideas into viable ventures.
Dr. Saran informed students that promising ideas emerging during the programme could also receive incubation support through IIIM-TBI and BioNEST facilities. He encouraged participants to explore research infrastructure across different divisions of the institute and use the opportunity to interact with scientists and innovators.
Providing an overview of the technical sessions, Senior Principal Scientist, NPMC Division, CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Showkat Rashid, described the workshop as a unique platform designed to combine expert lectures with extensive laboratory-based learning.
He said participants would receive practical exposure in areas including natural products chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, analytical sciences, laboratory safety, modern drug discovery approaches, isolation and characterization techniques, medicinal chemistry and computer-aided drug design.
Students will also gain hands-on experience in conducting chemical reactions, monitoring laboratory processes, purification techniques, chromatography, sample preparation and use of advanced analytical instruments available at the institute.
Speaking on the broader relevance of chemistry education, Senior Principal Scientist, NPMC Division, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, stressed the need to create awareness among students regarding research as a career.
He observed that many students pursue science degrees without understanding the future scope and opportunities available in research institutions. He said the objective of programmes like Yuva Kaushal Karyashala is to encourage students to view scientific research as an aspirational and impactful profession.
Dr. Qazi highlighted the achievements of CSIR-IIIM and said the institute continues to contribute significantly in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences while creating opportunities for young researchers.
The inaugural session witnessed participation of faculty members, scientists, research scholars and officials of CSIR-IIIM.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, IIIM-TBI, who appreciated the support of the institute leadership, organising team and participating students, and expressed hope that the workshop would become a transformative learning experience for the young participants.
