Fundamentals of Research
This conference aims to enhance the research, technical, and career-oriented skills of STEM postgraduates and Ph.D. scholars. It will cover essential aspects of scientific writing, biostatistics, ethical research guidelines, and career development to equip participants with the tools necessary for success in academia and industry.
Date : September 18, 2025
Time : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Asia/Calcutta)
Venue:- Moringa Auditorium, SUHRC
Participants will register and receive conference materials. The welcome speech will introduce
the conference objectives, expected outcomes, and the importance of the topics covered.
Scientific paper writing is a fundamental skill for STEM graduates, enabling them to
communicate their research effectively to the global scientific community. A well-structured
manuscript follows a logical sequence—introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and
conclusion—ensuring clarity and coherence. Mastering best practices for clear and concise
writing helps researchers present their findings engaging and comprehensibly. Correct
referencing and citations are crucial in maintaining academic integrity, preventing plagiarism,
and giving due credit to previous studies. Understanding journal selection and submission
strategies allows researchers to target the most suitable platforms for their work, increasing
the likelihood of publication. Smart tools such as reference managers (Zotero, EndNote), writing
assistants (Grammarly, LaTeX), and data visualization tools (GraphPad, R, Python) enhance the
quality of scientific manuscripts. Navigating the peer review and revision process effectively is
also essential, as constructive feedback strengthens the research and improves its credibility. By
mastering these aspects, STEM graduates can significantly boost their academic and
professional careers, ensuring their contributions reach a wider audience and make an impact
in their respective fields. Effective scientific writing is not just about publishing—it is about
advancing knowledge and establishing oneself as a credible researcher.
Overview:-
Publishing research is an essential milestone in a STEM career. This session provides a
structured approach to writing a compelling and well-organized scientific manuscript. It covers
structuring a research paper, choosing the right journal, handling citations, using smart writing
tools, and responding to peer reviewers effectively.
Session Objectives
- Understand the essential components of a research manuscript.
- Learn best practices for writing clear and concise scientific papers.
- Explore correct referencing and citation methods.
- Gain insights into journal selection and submission strategies to increase acceptance
chances. - Discover smart tools for writing and data visualization tools to improve manuscript
quality. - Learn how to navigate the peer review and revision process effectively.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Be able to structure a well-organized research paper.
- Improve clarity, coherence, and impact in their writing.
- Select suitable journals and avoid predatory publishers.
- Use smart tools for efficient writing and visualization.
- Respond effectively to reviewer comments for successful publication.
Participants can network with peers and experts over refreshments.
Biostatistics is the backbone of biological research, ensuring that scientific studies are designed,
analyzed, and interpreted with accuracy and reliability. STEM graduates must understand the
role of biostatistics in experimental research, as it helps in defining research hypotheses,
determining sample sizes, and minimizing errors. Common statistical methods—such as t-tests,
chi-square tests, ANOVA, regression analysis, and survival analysis—are essential for drawing
meaningful conclusions from data. The correct application of these methods ensures that
results are statistically significant and not due to random chance. With the rise of big data and
computational biology, proficiency in statistical tools like SPSS, R, Python, and GraphPad Prism
is invaluable for researchers. Both online and offline statistical software aid in data processing,
visualization, and interpretation, enhancing research efficiency. Without a solid grasp of
biostatistics, researchers risk drawing incorrect conclusions, leading to misleading or non-
reproducible findings. For STEM graduates pursuing careers in academia, biotechnology,
pharmaceuticals, or healthcare, statistical literacy is indispensable. It allows them to critically
evaluate published studies, design robust experiments, and make data-driven decisions. In an
era where interdisciplinary research is growing, biostatistics serves as a bridge between
experimental science and meaningful insights.
Overview:-
Biostatistics is essential for designing robust experiments and analyzing data effectively. This
session will introduce the fundamental statistical concepts required for research and provide
hands-on guidance on selecting the right statistical tools.
Session Objectives
- Understand the role of biostatistics in experimental research.
- Learn about common statistical methods and their practical applications.
- Explore various online and offline statistical tools to analyze data effectively.
- Identify the right statistical approaches for different types of biological research.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Be able to design statistically sound experiments.
- Select appropriate statistical tests for different research questions.
- Use statistical tools (such as SPSS, R, GraphPad, and Excel) for data analysis.
- Interpret statistical results accurately and incorporate them into research publications.
Participants can enjoy lunch and network with fellow researchers and experts.
Ethical research practices are the foundation of credible and responsible scientific work, making
the ICMR National Ethical Guidelines 2017 crucial for STEM graduates, particularly those
engaged in biomedical and health sciences. These guidelines ensure that research involving
human participants is conducted with integrity, fairness, and respect for individual rights. They
cover essential aspects such as informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, risk-benefit analysis,
and the role of Institutional Ethics Committees (IECs) in reviewing research proposals.
Adherence to these principles helps prevent ethical violations, including data fabrication,
plagiarism, and exploitation of vulnerable populations. Understanding these guidelines is
particularly important for researchers working with clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and
biotechnology innovations. Many funding agencies and journals require ethical approval before
accepting research findings, making compliance with ICMR guidelines a necessity for
publication and grants. Moreover, STEM graduates pursuing careers in healthcare,
biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industries must be well-versed in these ethical norms to
ensure regulatory compliance. Ethical research not only safeguards human rights but also
enhances the credibility and social impact of scientific discoveries. By following these
guidelines, researchers contribute to a culture of transparency and accountability in science,
fostering trust within the global scientific community.
Overview:-
Ethical considerations are crucial in research, ensuring integrity, participant protection, and
regulation compliance. This session provides an overview of the Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) National Ethical Guidelines 2017 and their application in research.
Session Objectives
- Understand the ethical principles governing biomedical and health research.
- Learn about the key ethical guidelines set by ICMR.
- Discuss the importance of informed consent, data confidentiality, and human subject
protection. - Identify the role of Institutional Ethics Committees (IEC) in research compliance.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand the ethical aspects of conducting research in STEM fields.
- Ensure compliance with national and international ethical standards.
- Implement informed consent procedures in human research.
- Recognize the importance of ethical approval for research projects.
Participants can take a short break, network, and discuss key takeaways.
A well-crafted CV or resume is essential for STEM graduates seeking academic, industry, or
research positions. Unlike general resumes, STEM applications must effectively showcase
technical skills, research achievements, and contributions to the field. Understanding the key
differences between academic CVs and industry resumes helps candidates tailor their
applications to the specific requirements of universities, research institutes, or corporate
employers. An academic CV should highlight publications, conferences, grants, and teaching
experience, while an industry resume must emphasize practical skills, project management, and
problem-solving abilities. Effectively presenting research achievements, technical expertise, and
soft skills—such as teamwork, leadership, and communication—can significantly impact hiring
decisions. Additionally, strategies to make applications stand out, such as customizing CVs for
different job roles, using action-oriented language, and integrating keywords relevant to
applicant tracking systems (ATS), can improve job prospects. STEM graduates must also prepare
compelling cover letters and LinkedIn profiles to enhance their professional visibility. In today’s
competitive job market, a strong application can be the key to securing prestigious fellowships,
postdoctoral positions, or industry roles. By mastering this art, STEM professionals can position
themselves for long-term success and career growth.
Overview:-
A well-structured CV or resume is essential for career advancement in STEM. This session will
focus on crafting professional documents tailored to academic, research, and industry
positions.
Session Objectives
- Understand the key differences between academic CVs and industry resumes.
- Learn how to highlight research achievements, technical skills, and soft skills
effectively. - Explore strategies to make job applications stand out in competitive markets.
- Discover how to tailor applications for postdoctoral, industry, and government
positions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Develop a professional and tailored CV or resume.
- Showcase their research experience and skills effectively.
- Adapt their applications for different career paths (academia, industry, and government).
- Gain confidence in applying for fellowships, grants, and job opportunities.
A final session where participants can seek clarifications, share insights, and receive expert
guidance on their career and research journey.
- Mastering scientific writing to increase publication success.
- Applying biostatistics to improve research design and analysis.
- Understanding ethical guidelines for responsible research conduct.
- Building an impactful CV or resume for academic and industry careers.
This conference is designed to provide practical, career-enhancing skills that will help STEM scholars excel in research, publish successfully, and secure promising job opportunities.
Resource person:-
- Prof. Prakash Rao
- Professor and Head, Symbiosis Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (SCCCS)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-rao-22a48ab6/
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=FrEtAtEAAAAJ&hl=en
- Prof. Omprakash Sharma
- Associate Professor, Symbiosis Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (SCCCS)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/om-prakash-sharma-3669a01a/
- https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=C0yRzooAAAAJ&hl=en
- Prof. Manikprabhu Dhanorkar
- Professor and Head, Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management (SCWRW)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/manikprabhu-dhanorkar-b86666a6/
- Dr. Rucika Kaul Ghanekar
- Director, Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchika-kaul-ghanekar-0571047/
- Prof. Yogesh Patil
- Professor and Head Publications, Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogesh-patil-b5b27829/
- Prof. Dr. Sonopant Joshi
- Director, Symbiosis School of Nursing (SCON)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-sonopant-joshi-69259a118/
- Dr. Sharvari Shukla
- Director, Symbiosis Statistical Institute
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharvari-shukla-12a8a660/
- Dr. Manali Joshi
- Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/manali-joshi-40a5589/