SRINAGAR: The 10-day DHR–ICMR Sponsored National Workshop on “Next-Generation Biomaterial Scaffolds for Stem Cell Therapeutics in Regenerative Medicine” concluded at the Faculty Outreach Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-K, after ten days of intensive scientific deliberations, practical training, and interdisciplinary interactions in regenerative medicine.
The Valedictory Function was graced by Prof. Mohd Altaf Bhat, Director Education, SKUAST-K, as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-K; Prof. Riaz Ahmad Shah, Dean, FVSc & AH; and Dr. Geetanjali Sageena, Scientist & Program Officer, Division of Human Resource Development, DHR-ICMR, Government of India, New Delhi, attended as the Guests of Honour. Faculty members, scientists, researchers, clinicians, and participants were also present.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Amatul Muhee, Professor & Head, Veterinary Clinical Complex, expressed gratitude to DHR-ICMR for supporting the workshop and reiterated SKUAST-K’s commitment to promoting excellence in regenerative medicine through advanced training and collaborative research.
Presenting the workshop report, Dr. Mudasir Bashir Gugjoo, Organizing Secretary, highlighted that the programme provided comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training in stem cell biology, stem cell isolation, culture and characterization, exosome therapeutics, biomaterials, additive manufacturing technologies including 3D printing and electrospinning, preclinical evaluation, translational research, and clinical applications in human and veterinary medicine. He also highlighted the successful conduct of the Industry-Academia-Policy Dialogue, which deliberated on opportunities, challenges, regulatory perspectives, and the future roadmap for regenerative medicine in India.
The workshop brought together internationally renowned experts from leading institutions across the globe, enabling participants to gain real-world insights into cutting-edge regenerative medicine and the complete translational continuum from laboratory research to clinical application. Such workshops provide exposure to research across multiple levels while simultaneously serving as a catalyst for meaningful collaborations.
During the feedback session, participants highly appreciated the workshop for its practical orientation, extensive hands-on training, and interactions with internationally reputed experts. They described it as a unique learning platform that significantly enhanced their technical skills, research perspectives, and understanding of translational regenerative medicine.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Riaz Ahmad Shah and Prof. Azmat Alam Khan congratulated the organizers for successfully conducting a technically intensive programme and expressed satisfaction that participants had been exposed to high-end research methodologies and emerging technologies in regenerative medicine.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Geetanjali Sageena appreciated the scientific quality of the workshop and emphasized the pivotal role of DHR-ICMR in strengthening research capacity by supporting need-based training programmes that provide exposure to advanced biomedical research and emerging technologies.
In his valedictory address, Prof. Mohd Altaf Bhat lauded the organizing committee for successfully conducting a workshop of national significance. He expressed satisfaction that SKUAST-K is not only undertaking research in advanced areas such as regenerative medicine but is also providing a national platform for nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers through interactions with globally renowned experts.
The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants and a vote of thanks from Dr Shahid Hussain Dar, Associate Professor, Veterinary Clinical Complex, reaffirming SKUAST-K’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine through research excellence, innovation, capacity building, and national and international collaborations.