The programme has brought together 42 students from Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, and other educational institutions, providing them with direct exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, research methodologies and innovation-driven ecosystems. A training manual for the workshop was also released during the inaugural session.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, emphasized the importance of nurturing a scientific temperament and research-oriented mindset among students. He said science today extends far beyond textbooks and academic disciplines, influencing every aspect of modern life and development.

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 are designed to connect young minds with scientific innovation at an early stage.

Sharing an example of research excellence at CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Ahmed spoke about ongoing work in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. He revealed that institute researchers successfully modified a naturally derived molecule with anti-cancer properties to improve its safety profile while retaining its therapeutic potential. The candidate molecule has now advanced through pre-clinical evaluation and received regulatory approval for clinical-stage development.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Senior Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, IIIM-TBI, said the workshop has been carefully designed to provide students with exposure beyond conventional classroom learning. He explained that the programme integrates laboratory training with sessions on innovation, entrepreneurship and startups, helping students understand how scientific ideas can be transformed into viable ventures.

Dr. Saran encouraged participants to actively engage with scientists and researchers and informed them that promising ideas emerging from the programme could receive incubation support through IIIM-TBI and BioNEST facilities.

Providing an overview of the technical sessions, Dr. Showkat Rashid, Senior Principal Scientist, NPMC Division, said the workshop offers a unique combination of expert lectures and practical laboratory experience. Participants will gain exposure to natural products chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, analytical sciences, laboratory safety, medicinal chemistry, computer-aided drug design, and modern drug discovery approaches.

Students will also receive hands-on training in conducting chemical reactions, purification techniques, chromatography, sample preparation and the use of advanced analytical instruments available at the institute.

Speaking on the importance of promoting research careers, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, Senior Principal Scientist, NPMC Division, stressed the need to make students aware of the vast opportunities available in scientific research. He said many students pursue science education without fully understanding the scope and impact of research-based professions.

The inaugural session was attended by faculty members, scientists, research scholars and officials of CSIR-IIIM.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, IIIM-TBI, who expressed gratitude to the institute leadership, organizing team and participating students, and voiced confidence that the workshop would provide a transformative learning experience for the participants.