ICMR Invites Applications for Clinical Training & Translational Research Workshops

Clinical Training workshops provide hands-on training in clinical procedures for medical students, young clinicians, and biomedical scientists, while Translational Research workshops focus on translating lab-proven findings into practical applications.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated workshop proposals on "Clinical Training" and "Translational Research." For the same, it has invited applications for funding support, with the submission deadline set for November 24, 2023. These workshops are designed to provide hands-on training and promote research in the field of biomedical research.

Applicants are required to submit their proposals at least three months before the scheduled workshop date to be considered for funding. This requirement is in accordance with ICMR guidelines.

Clinical Training workshops aim to offer practical training in specific clinical procedures, targeting medical students, young clinicians, and scientists specialising in relevant biomedical research fields.

On the other hand, Translational Research workshops focus on the translation of research findings into practical applications for diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and interventions. These findings, having proven their efficiency and efficacy in labs, are ready to be transformed into products that benefit society.

Financial support of up to INR 10 Lakhs (maximum limit) will be provided for each workshop. The final sanctioned amount may vary, contingent on the budget proposed and its alignment with the topic's relevance. The Selection Committee, appointed by the director general of ICMR, will review the budget and the workshop's subject matter.

It's important to note that ICMR is discontinuing funding for conferences, seminars, symposia, CMEs, and short courses. The focus will now be on providing support exclusively for workshops centred around "Clinical Training" and "Translational Research."

Applicants should provide a detailed outline of the workshop's future directions in line with ICMR's mandate, emphasising the research's potential translational value to society. The target audience should primarily include students, faculty, clinicians, and nurses from government medical, dental, and nursing colleges and UGC-recognised institutions and organisations.

These workshops are designed to raise awareness and provide training, encouraging participants to engage in clinical and translational research in the biomedical health research field.

Collaboration is a key component of the application process. NGOs, engineering, and pharmacy colleges seeking to organise workshops must collaborate with MCI-recognised government medical colleges or UGC-recognised institutes/organisations in the relevant subject area.

This collaboration will ensure comprehensive coverage of the clinical aspects, with insights from experts in the biomedical research field. The application should include a consent letter from the concerned Medical College/Institute Competent Authority and identify a nodal officer from the collaborating institution.

Upon approval and financial support from the ICMR, the Organising Secretary will receive an official letter. The funds will be disbursed accordingly for the successful execution of the workshop.

Following the conclusion of the workshop, the organisers are required to submit a comprehensive report detailing the workshop proceedings, participant attendance, and other essential information. Additionally, they must provide a utilisation certificate (UC) issued by the accounts officer of the host institute to account for the proper use of the funds.

These workshops, funded and supported by the ICMR, are pivotal in advancing clinical training and translational research in India. By providing financial assistance and guidance, the ICMR seeks to encourage research and bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes nationwide.