Hands-on Training on Sophisticated Instruments Empowers North East Scholars at ARC, USTM
9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, October 6, 2023: A remarkable Hands-on Training Program, focusing on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), has concluded with resounding success at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The four-day intensive residential training program witnessed enthusiastic participation from 40 research scholars hailing from various universities across the North East region. This transformative program was orchestrated by the Advanced Research Center (ARC) at USTM and spanned from the 3rd to the 6th of October.
In the valedictory session held today, the event commenced with a warm welcome address by Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM. This was followed by an illuminating Address delivered by Prof M. Ramachandra Mohan, Former Professor and Dean, Department of Zoology at Bangalore University. The program reached its zenith with the Concluding Remarks provided by Prof GD Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of USTM. Certificates of accomplishment were distributed among the participants, marking the fruition of their intensive training.
The culminating event included an open session where participants were encouraged to share their feedback and insights. In addition to the host university, USTM, the training program attracted participants from esteemed institutions such as Tezpur University, Assam University, Nagaland University, Bodoland University, and Assam Don Bosco University.
Dr. Azmol Hussain Barbhuiya, the Academic Registrar of USTM and Director of ARC, expressed his pride in the fact that USTM is the first private university in the entire North East region to house a Central Instrumentation facility of this caliber. He emphasized that this state-of-the-art facility would prove immensely beneficial to Ph.D. scholars, enabling them to conduct research across a broad spectrum. Dr. Barbhuiya stated, “Through advanced research, they can independently interpret data, further enhancing their academic endeavors.”
Sabrin Sultana, Senior Scientific Officer at ARC, along with her dedicated team, played a pivotal role in training the participants. Sultana explained, “During the training program, participants gained hands-on experience in sample preparation, method development, sample analysis, data analysis, and interpretation. In-depth discussions on the application of sophisticated instruments in research were also a part of the curriculum.” Sultana further emphasized that this hands-on training would empower participants to pursue various career paths, including scientific officers, scientific assistants, forensic officers, among others. It will also greatly assist in the interpretation of sample data, facilitating the publication of high-impact factor research papers.
The successful completion of this Hands-on Training Program at USTM marks a significant milestone in fostering scientific excellence in the North East region of India. By equipping research scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to harness advanced instruments, it is poised to catalyze groundbreaking research and innovation in various scientific disciplines, ultimately benefitting society as a whole.