Students-Scientist Connect Program

Maharishi School of Science organized a visit for Post Graduates to explore research areas of interest, under Students-Scientist Connect Program under the aegis of ‘Jigyasa’ on 18^th October 2022 at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.

The major objective of this research-oriented visit was to educate and motivate the young students for pursuing their career in science and explore the knowledge of drug Discovery and Research.

A batch of more than 30 students of M.Sc. (Zoology, Biotechnology and Botany- I and III Semesters) participated in this program. The visit was flagged off with best wishes from Maharishi University (Lucknow campus) by Dr. Sapan Asthana (Dean-Academics).

At CDRI campus, the group was warmly welcomed by Dr. Sanjeev Yadav (Senior Scientist, Academic Affairs Unit, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow). A brief presentation highlighting the activities, achievements of CDRI, the opportunities for postgraduate students, challenges in medicine development, biomarker, molecule transformation into medicine and SWOT analysis were presented by Dr. Sanjeev Yadav. He also briefed about the main technical part of Drug Discovery i.e., its Analytical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Toxicological part, their trail, implementation, and approval and also introduced CDRI’s recent and important drug discoveries.

In addition to the above, Dr. Saman Habib (Chief Scientist, Biochemistry and Structural Biology) and Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha (Principal Scientist, Endocrinology) also delivered an introductory and informative talk on their area of expertise. Dr. Saman Habib shared process and technology related to micro-RNA and protein separation and characterization. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha briefed about the PCOS, reproductive endocrinology and endocrine disorders.It was very much informative and awareness generating.

During the visit, the students also had an opportunity to interact with various scientists and discuss the basics of various research programmes in CDRI institute. It was very beneficial for the students to understand the current research studies ongoing for disease treatment and betterment of livelihood.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all scientists of CDRI who spared their valuable time to share their knowledge and interact with our students.

After returning back to the University campus, the students were provided with refreshments.

The event was successfully organized by Dr. Sneha Verma (Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Zoology), and Dr. Himani Kulshrestha (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biotechnology) and Dr. Madhu Prakash Srivastava (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Botany).

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (Prof. Bhanu Pratap Singh), Dr. Sapan Asthana (Dean-Academics), Dr. Vijay Kumar Srivastava (Deputy Dean Academics), Dr. Ramakant Maurya (Dean, School of Science) who extended all their guidance and cooperation for making this trip possible.