The annual Hands-on-summer training programme conducted by the Vidyasagar Institute of Bio-Medical Science (VIBS) a Unit of Medical Research Foundation, with an objective of imparting real time knowledge and experience to post graduate students in their chosen fields, was held this year between 11th May and 31st May 2016. A total of 9 PG students from all over the country including one overseas student participated in this year’s hands on training program. They were assigned to various research labs at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (KNBIRVO Block),

1.    3   in R.S. Mehta Jain Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

2.    2  in SN ONGC Genetics & Molecular Biology

3.    4 in   L & T Microbiology Research Centre (4).

The participants were from the B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal (1), Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Chennai (2), The American College, Madurai (1),  Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore (2), Central Research Lab, IMS & SUM Hospital, Odisha (1), MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai(1) & A.C.Tech.Campus, Anna University, Chennai (1).

All the participants performed well in the evaluation conducted at the end of the programme by the three departments where the training was imparted. Dr. K. Lily Therese, coordinator, VIBS conducted the valedictory function on 31st May 2016 after the successful conclusion of the program, she requested the participants and faculty from all three departments to give their feedback.  The students gave a good feedback on the training imparted to them, while the faculty from the respective departments appreciated the enthusiasm and involvement with which they learnt the new techniques. The participants were requested to share the acquired knowledge and impart the skills to their juniors and colleagues in their respective colleges, in keeping with Sankara Nethralaya’s philosophy of disseminating knowledge for the common good. All the faculty members and the Scientists involved in conducting the programme shared their experience with the students. The certificates were distributed to the students by the respective HODs/Faculty.

The function came to an end with a warm Vote of Thanks by Dr. N.Angayarkanni, HOD, R.S.Mehta Jain Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. She expressed her gratitude to the faculty scientists and technical staff involved in training the students, the management of Vision Research Foundation & Medical Research Foundation for providing the facility and the founder of VIBS, Padmashri Iravatham Mahadevan, I.A.S. for providing the wonderful opportunity to train Post graduate students from various Science & Arts Colleges & Research Institutions.