Jammu, July 14, 2026 : The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, on Tuesday inaugurated a three-day Hands-On Training Programme on Natural Products Extraction, Isolation and Characterization under the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative, bringing together 30 participants from diverse scientific disciplines for advanced laboratory training aimed at strengthening research skills, innovation and entrepreneurship in natural product-based drug discovery.
The programme, being conducted from July 14 to 16, 2026, combines theoretical learning with practical laboratory sessions, offering participants comprehensive exposure to modern techniques used in the extraction, isolation and structural characterization of bioactive natural compounds. To ensure personalized learning, participants have been divided into five laboratory batches.
Focus on Innovation and India’s Natural Wealth
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, emphasized that the institute remains committed not only to cutting-edge scientific research but also to developing skilled human resources, promoting innovation and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Welcoming participants from universities and research institutions representing disciplines such as biotechnology, microbiology and botany, Dr. Ahmed said such programmes provide an ideal platform for young researchers to exchange ideas while gaining exposure to world-class scientific infrastructure.
Highlighting the importance of natural products in healthcare, he noted that nearly half of all modern medicines originate from natural sources, either directly or through semi-synthetic modifications.
Dr. Ahmed also underscored India’s immense biodiversity—particularly in the Himalayan region—as a valuable reservoir of medicinal plants, microorganisms and other biological resources with enormous potential for pharmaceutical innovation and drug discovery.
He observed that although India continues to import a significant number of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), the country possesses both the biological resources and advanced scientific capabilities needed to develop high-value natural products domestically.
Encouraging participants to think beyond academic research, he urged them to explore careers in biotechnology, natural product research and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. He also invited aspiring innovators to utilize the incubation facilities and startup support available at CSIR-IIIM for transforming scientific ideas into commercially viable technologies.
Nature Continues to Inspire Modern Medicines
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, Scientist-F and Head of the NPMC Division, highlighted the continuing significance of natural products in global drug discovery.
He remarked that despite remarkable advances in synthetic chemistry, nature remains the richest source of structurally complex and biologically active molecules, with a substantial proportion of modern therapeutic drugs either originating from or inspired by natural compounds.
Comparing bioactive molecules to precious diamonds that require refinement, Dr. Naveed explained that scientists isolate, purify and characterize these compounds before developing them into pharmaceutical products.
He further noted that technological advancements have transformed natural product research. While researchers previously depended on overseas laboratories for advanced structural analysis, institutions like CSIR-IIIM now possess world-class analytical facilities capable of conducting sophisticated characterization within India.
Comprehensive Practical Training
Earlier, Dr. Prasoon K. Gupta, Scientist-F and Programme Coordinator, outlined the curriculum, explaining that the training has been carefully designed to provide participants with a complete understanding of the natural product discovery pipeline—from extraction and isolation to chromatographic purification, spectroscopic characterization and drug development applications.
The programme schedule includes:
- Day 1: Extraction techniques for natural products.
- Day 2: Chromatographic separation methods, including Column Chromatography, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS).
- Day 3: Spectroscopic characterization using UV Spectroscopy, Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (MS).
Participants are also receiving hands-on laboratory training in various extraction methodologies, including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, solvent extraction, steam distillation, liquid-liquid extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, under the guidance of experienced scientists from the NPMC Division.
The organisers said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and laboratory research by equipping students, research scholars and young scientists with practical skills essential for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, natural product chemistry and related sectors.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Nasir ul Rasheed, Scientist-E, who expressed gratitude to the Director, faculty members, organising committee and participants while wishing all trainees a rewarding and productive learning experience.
