Fundamentals of Research
Enhancing Research, Technical, and Career-Oriented Skills for STEM Postgraduates & Ph.D. Scholars
About the Conference:-
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.
Dr. Prakash Rao, Head, SCCCS Opening remarks introducing the objectives, expected outcomes, and the importance of the topics covered.
Speaker: Professor Kundan Sengupta, Associate Dean (International Relations and Outreach), IISER Pune
Scientific paper writing is a fundamental skill for STEM graduates, enabling them to communicate their research effectively. This session will provide a structured approach to writing compelling manuscripts, choosing the right journal, handling citations, using smart writing tools, and navigating peer review successfully.
Learning Outcomes:-
- Structure a research paper effectively
- Improve clarity and coherence in writing
- Select suitable journals and avoid predatory publishers
- Use smart writing and visualization tools
- Respond constructively to reviewer comments
Speaker: Dr. Sundeep Salvi, Distinguished Research Professor, SIU
Modern scientific challenges—from climate change to public health—cannot be solved within the boundaries of a single discipline. This session emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, where knowledge and tools from biology, medicine, data science, engineering, and environmental sciences converge. Interdisciplinary research fosters innovation, leads to holistic problem-solving, and creates opportunities for impactful publications and funding. For young researchers, learning to think beyond silos is crucial to building resilience in their careers and contributing meaningfully to society.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Explore real-world examples of interdisciplinary solutions
- Learn strategies to foster collaborative networks
- Recognize how interdisciplinary approaches improve research impact
Speaker: Dr. Sharvari Shukla, Director, Symbiosis Statistical Institute (SSI), SIU
Biostatistics ensures that scientific studies are designed, analyzed, and interpreted with accuracy and reliability. This session will cover statistical methods, sample size determination, and the use of tools such as R, SPSS, and GraphPad Prism to ensure robust, reproducible research
Learning Outcomes:
- Design statistically sound experiments
- Select appropriate tests for research questions
- Apply tools for data analysis and visualization
- Interpret results accurately for publication
Speaker: Dr. Vaishali Deshpande, Director, Clinical Research Ethics Training (CRET), Pune
Session Chair: Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, Distinguished Professor, FoMHS, SIU
Ethical research practices are the foundation of credible science. This session will focus on the ICMR National Ethical Guidelines (2017), informed consent, confidentiality, and the role of Institutional Ethics Committees. It highlights how ethics ensures credibility, protects participants, and strengthens global trust in science.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand key ethical principles in biomedical research
- Implement informed consent and confidentiality measures
- Ensure compliance with IEC and regulatory standards
- Recognize the necessity of ethical approval in research
Speaker: Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
Speaker: Dr. Kamlesh Jangid, Scientist E, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
A strong academic CV or industry resume is vital for career progression. This session will provide strategies to highlight research achievements, technical expertise, and transferable skills. It will also cover tailoring applications for academia, industry, and government roles, as well as building a professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop tailored academic and industry applications
- Showcase research and technical skills effectively
- Adapt applications for diverse career paths
- Gain confidence in applying for fellowships, grants, and jobs
An open session for reflections, clarifications, and career guidance.
- Mastering scientific writing for impactful publications
- Applying biostatistics for robust research design
- Ensuring ethics and compliance in research
- Building effective academic and professional applications
- Understanding the value of interdisciplinary collaboration
This conference provides practical, career-enhancing skills to help STEM scholars excel in research, publish successfully, and secure promising opportunities in academia and industry.
Resource person:-
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- Dr. Sharvari Shukla
- Director, Symbiosis Statistical Institute
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharvari-shukla-12a8a660/
- Dr. Kundan Sengupta
- Professor and Associate Dean (International Relations and Outreach), Biology, IISER Pune
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kundan-sengupta-5227715/
- Dr. Kamlesh Jangid
- Scientist E , Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, INDIA
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jangidk/
- Dr. Vaishali Deshpande
- Chairperson, Ethics Committee Ruby Hall Clinic | Sancheti Hospital | Joshi Hospital. Clinical Research Consultant Specializing in GXP Compliance (GCP, GLP, GMP, GDP). Independent Trainer and Advisor.
- Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaishali-deshpande-b7311b10/
- Dr. Sandeep Salvi
- Director at Chest Research Foundation.
- Director of Pulmocare Research and Education (PURE) Foundation
- Google Scholar:- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9fhMWJgAAAAJ&hl=en
- Dr. Sharvari Shukla