Workshop on Research Methodology in collaboration with University of Illinois USA hosted in IGMC Shimla

SHIMLA: A two-day Research Methodology Workshop was organized by the Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, in collaboration with the University of Illinois College of Medicine, USA.

On the first day, the Regional Dean, University of Illinois College of Medicine, addressed the faculty and students of IGMC and emphasized the pivotal role of research in advancing medical science and improving patient care.

Thirty faculty members from various departments of IGMC are participating in the workshop aimed at honing their research skills. The training is being imparted by three senior professors from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, who are on a visit to Himachal Pradesh to further strengthen academic and research collaboration under the MoU recently signed between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the University of Illinois.

The workshop includes focused sessions on framing research questions, study design, biostatistics, grant writing, and scientific publication, with hands-on training to enable faculty to develop high-quality research proposals.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Sita Thakur, Principal cum Chairperson of MRU IGMC said, “Research is the backbone of medical education and quality patient care. This collaborations held under the leadership of the Chief Minister Sh Sukhvinder Singh, will provide global exposure to our faculty and encourage evidence-based medicine in the state.” She appreciated the efforts of the MRU in fostering a robust research culture at the institute.

The Department of Health Research (DHR), Government of India, has been supporting research activities at IGMC through the MRU, which was established in 2013. At present, 11 research projects funded by the MRU are underway at IGMC. The projects are selected strictly on merit by an independent expert committee comprising senior faculty from PGIMER Chandigarh, ICMR, and IGMC Shimla.

This international collaboration is expected to open new avenues for joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, and advanced training opportunities for young researchers of Himachal Pradesh.