JAMMU, FEBRUARY 26: The CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu successfully concluded its three-day Skill Development Training Programme on Laboratory Animal Techniques for Preclinical Experiments, designed to enhance practical expertise in ethical animal handling, experimental design and GLP-compliant preclinical research.
The programme, held from 24th to 26th February 2026, attracted participants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, veterinary sciences and allied life science disciplines, reflecting a growing interest among young researchers and professionals in hands-on training for high-quality biomedical research.
The valedictory session, addressed by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, highlighted the importance of regulatory-compliant animal experimentation and adherence to globally harmonized research standards.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that ethical practices, standardized protocols and quality-assured procedures are vital for generating credible data that can be accepted at the international level.
The session also featured a welcome address, participant introductions and the release of training materials and souvenirs, setting the stage for an immersive and comprehensive learning experience.
Throughout the three days, participants were engaged in both theoretical and practical components. The first day focused on understanding the biology of laboratory animals, laws and ethical regulations governing animal experiments and hands-on training in handling and restraining laboratory animals. The sessions were conducted under the guidance of senior faculty members including Dr. Ramajayan Pandian, Dr. Govind Yadav and Dr. Nasir ul Rasheed, ensuring a strong foundation in both scientific principles and ethical practices.
On the second day, the programme delved deeper into biosecurity, biomedical waste management and experimental design, including randomization, sample size calculation and power analysis.
Participants were trained in dose calculation, clinical observation and humane endpoints, as well as different routes of drug administration and sample collection procedures. The practical sessions provided participants with invaluable hands-on experience, reinforcing the theoretical concepts introduced earlier and emphasizing the importance of accuracy, precision and ethical responsibility in preclinical research.
The third and final day was dedicated to advanced practical skills such as anaesthesia and analgesia, clinical pathology and histopathology techniques.
Participants were trained in isolation and culture of alveolar macrophages from mice, as well as euthanasia and necropsy procedures, under strict ethical and biosafety guidelines.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session where students presented their Form-B reports, shared feedback and received certificates in the presence of dignitaries and faculty.
The initiative reflects CSIR-IIIM Jammu’s ongoing commitment to equip the young scientists and professionals with the technical skills required for cutting-edge biomedical and translational research, while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, ethics and safety.
The proceedings of the valedictory session were conducted by Research Fellow, Sundas Choudhary while Principal Scientist, Dr. Nasir ul Rasheed presented the formal vote of thanks.
