CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, here today successfully completed five-day training programme on ‘Hands-on Training on Upstream & Downstream Processing of Industrially Important Products’. The programme saw participation of 17 postgraduate and doctoral students from six universities across India. Conclusion of the training programme was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, and Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist, Head of RMBD & IST and Head of CSIR-IIIM Srinagar Branch.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed while addressing the participants said that at present they are pursuing the academic courses in microbiology to learn the subject at conventionally and such hands-on trainings are meant to expose them to the advanced industrial microbiology which has application in pharmaceuticals, bio-pharma, bio-fuel, food, environment and pollution etc. He expressed pride in India’s reputation as ‘Pharmacy of the World’ and reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to nurturing young researchers, promoting self-reliance in biopharmaceutical products development and contributing to the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Earlier Dr. Vikash Babu, Coordinator of the training programme, gave a brief of the lectures delivered and hands-on training imparted during last five days. On first day, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology (FMB) division, delivered first lecture on ‘Opportunities in Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation Technology’. This was followed by a session from Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, FMB division on ‘Role of CSIR-IIIM in Entrepreneurship and Skill Development in J&K’. Afternoon practical sessions were led by Dr. Vikash Babu, focusing on ‘Upstream Processing, Sterilization, and Inoculation in Fermenters’.

Last day of training was led by Dr. Kanhaiya Kumar, Senior Scientist, FMB Division. In the second half, assignment activity was carried out by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed followed by valedictory session. The valedictory session proceedings were conducted by Nargis, Ph.D scholar while Dr. Vinod Kumar, Senior Scientist in the FMB Division presented vote of thanks.