SKIMS Hosts First-Ever Regional Workshop on Clinical Trials As 3-Day Capacity-building Programme on Advancing Clinical Research Goes Underway

Iqbal Meer

Srinagar: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Monday marked a significant milestone with the commencement of a three-day Regional Workshop on Clinical Trials titled “From Concept to Practice.” The programme has been organised by the Medical Research Unit (MRU) of SKIMS in collaboration with the Department of Health Research (DHR), Government of India, and AIIMS New Delhi.

The workshop, the first of its kind at SKIMS, was inaugurated by Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG, in the presence of Prof. G. M. Gulzar, Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS; Prof. Vijay Mathur, Coordinator, Clinical Research AIIMS New Delhi; and senior faculty members. Officials from the Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also attended the opening ceremony.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Ganie, as per Alfaaz – The Words, underscored the growing research ecosystem at SKIMS, noting that the institution is “not merely a service hospital, but a premier tertiary care centre where research remains a core pillar.” He emphasized that SKIMS, with its advanced Clinical Research Laboratory and high patient inflow, is uniquely positioned to conduct impactful clinical trials.

“SKIMS holds a unique place in the research arena. With our facilities and patient base, the potential for clinical trials is immense. We are open to wider collaborations, and it is satisfying to see this new beginning with DHR, AIIMS New Delhi, and ICMR,” Prof. Ganie said.

Reflecting on his academic journey and his association with renowned international scientists, including Dr. Ramaswamy, Prof. Ganie encouraged faculty and young scholars to pursue research with dedication and clarity of purpose.

“The establishment of the National Task Force was the outcome of sustained commitment and perseverance. I urge young researchers to identify their niche areas. There are ample funding opportunities worldwide for those who seek them,” he remarked.

The Director also acknowledged the efforts of the event coordinators and the organising team, expressing gratitude to Prof. Aijaz A. Lone (Faculty Incharge, Skill Development Lab SKIMS), Dr. Showkat Gurcoo (Associate Dean), Dr. Rouf Wani (Nodal Officer, MRU), and Dr. Qazi Mudassir, among others, for their contribution in bringing the workshop to fruition.

The three-day workshop aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of researchers and clinicians in designing, conducting, and managing clinical trials, ultimately promoting a stronger culture of evidence-based research and institutional collaboration at SKIMS.