Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Branch Srinagar, has concluded its three-day skill development training program on quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The program brought together around 20 participants from across India, including students, researchers, and laboratory professionals, with the objective of building practical competencies in modern molecular biology techniques related qRT-PCR.
The program was meticulously designed to equip participants with comprehensive, bench-level proficiency in gene expression analysis from sample to result. Across three immersive days, the curriculum guided participants through the full experiments in RNA Isolation where Emphasis was given on careful extraction of high-quality RNA, contamination control, and yield optimization.
The day continued with reverse transcription and primer strategies, which focused on optimized cDNA synthesis with careful primer design and chemistry selection. The second day focused on qRT-PCR Assay Design, during which Training in both SYBR Green and probe-based approaches, along with rigorous instrument setup and run execution, was provided.
It was followed by troubleshooting and data analysis, focusing on structured clinics to address low yields, non-specific amplification, efficiency anomalies, and inter-run variability, alongside end-to-end data interpretation. The participants were also made aware of Good Laboratory Practices, with emphasis on reproducibility, contamination prevention, and quality assurance protocols.
The program highlighted hands-on wet lab sessions in RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR, paired with extended troubleshooting clinics and data analysis workshops, reflecting CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to skill development and capacity building. Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, emphasized that qRT-PCR is a game-changer technology, redefining both agriculture and health sciences.
He explained that participants, by mastering such techniques, can act as ambassadors of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” and contribute to India’s vision of technological empowerment and global competitiveness. He further highlighted the broader implications of molecular biology in addressing climatic resilience and public health challenges.
Dr. Ahmed interacted directly with all participants, offering an in-depth perspective on the evolving landscape of molecular biology. He emphasized the pivotal role of qRT-PCR as a game-changing technology that is revolutionizing diagnostics, research, and applied sciences.
Dr Nasheeman Ashraf, Senior Principal Scientist and Organizer of the Program, concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging participants to integrate these advanced molecular biology techniques into their professional pursuits, thereby strengthening India’s scientific capacity in agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience.
The program was co-organized by Dr Syed Riyaz Ul Hassan, Sr. Principal Scientist, and Dr Phalisteen Sultan, Pr. Technical Officer who imparted Hands-on Training Program in cDNA synthesis, RNA isolation, and Hands-on sessions in qRT-PCR.
Among the prominent persons present on the occasion were Dr Fayaz Malik, Chief Scientist; Dr Qazi Parvaiz, Senior Principal Scientist; and other senior scientists, Technical staff, and administrative staff of IIIM, Branch Srinagar
.The Skill Development Program was conducted under the overall patronage of Er Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, CSIR-IIIM Branch Srinagar, and coordinated by Dr Nasir Ul Rasheed, Principal Scientist and Nodal Skill Development. The Valedictory function was moderated by Dr Ishfaq Majid Hurrah.
