The Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, had organized a one-day Skill Development Program on Animal Experimentation Techniques in Preclinical Research
Objective:
Theoretical lectures on the fundamentals, applications and utilization of the experimentation techniques to be taught in addition to the hands-on training. In addition, the SDP to provide a medium to educate students and early career researchers on ethical and responsible laboratory animal management practices as well as available research opportunities in Pre-clinical studies.
Additionally, by laying the groundwork for students to become experts in animal handling, histology, and various imaging techniques that are in great demand in modern research facilities, this SDP should assist them in considering alternate occupations.
The SDP was aimed at 50 participants inclusive of Faculty Members, Research Scholars, and PG (Life Sciences).
About the Event:
The SDP had 4 resource persons imparting their knowledge and techniques upon Pre-clinical experimentation. The first resource person was Dr. Syed Qadri, Scientist ‘F’ & HOD of Animal Facility Coordinator from the National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad. He highlighted the ARRIVE guidelines of experimentation and shared his valuable insights on the formation of CPSCSEA guidelines for animal experimentation. His knowledge sharing on the guidelines on pre-clinical testing showcased the value of his years of experience in the field. The participants had an interactive session with the speaker.
The next session was covered by Dr. L. Kalaiselvi, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology from Madras Veterinary College. This was a demonstration session where various animal handling techniques, drug administration, and blood withdrawal techniques were showcased.
Post post-lunch session was demonstrated by Dr. Venkataraman Krishnamurthy, Research Officer (Veterinary Pharmacology), Siddha Central Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Siddha from Ministry of Ayush, Chennai. The resource person demonstrated a thorough in-depth necropsy of the rodent model. The participants fielded several queries regarding the necropsy and the session was interactive and enlightening for the students.
The last session was taken by Mr. R.V. Venkataramanan, Project Manager and biocompatibility Expert, TÜV SÜD South Asia Ltd, Chennai which covered the regulatory aspects of medical devices and a focus on the role of Pharmacologists in the field of Regulatory and Toxicology. The speaker had an engaging session with the participants who were eager with their questions about the industry.
The SDP was concluded by Dr. T. Tamilanban, Associate Professor from Department of Pharmacology who made a heartfelt thanks to the Management, College and the Dean along with the supporting staff of the Department who had made it a grand success.
Benefits:
The participants who were comprised of Postgraduate students from Life sciences and Ph.D from neighboring colleges benefitted from the demonstration of animal experimentation techniques from Expert Veterinarians and Pharmacologists.
Outcome:
The Program ended with a feedback session where the registered participants were happy with the demonstration and explanation of various techniques shown in the SDP. They were eager to attend more SDP and workshops in the future regarding Zebra fish, and animal experimentation and requested to organize the same from the Department.
