Ganderbal: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday inaugurated a 10-day Department of Health Research (DHR)-Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-sponsored national workshop on “Next-Generation Biomaterial Scaffolds for Stem Cell Therapeutics in Regenerative Medicine” at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama.
The workshop aims to strengthen capacity building in regenerative medicine by integrating fundamental science, translational research, biomaterial technologies and clinical applications.
The inaugural session was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and attended by Dean, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Prof. Abid Hamid; Head, CD Hospital, Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah; Scientist and Consultant (Cell & Gene Therapy), ICMR, Dr. Sangram K. Samal; senior university officials, scientists, clinicians, researchers and students.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganai described the workshop as an important initiative bringing together academia, medicine, industry and government. He emphasised the need for collaborative, innovation-driven research, affordable therapeutic solutions and skill-based programmes to strengthen professional development.
Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Prof. Riaz Ahmad Shah, highlighted the transformative potential of regenerative medicine in human and veterinary healthcare, while Prof. Abid Hamid described the workshop as a timely initiative for developing skilled professionals in the emerging field.
Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah underscored the importance of translational research in bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, and Dr. Sangram K. Samal stressed the role of One Health approaches, interdisciplinary research and structured capacity-building initiatives in advancing regenerative medicine.
The inaugural session also featured the release of a documentary highlighting SKUAST-K’s academic and research achievements, a book on stem cell therapeutics and a compendium showcasing the university’s academic, research and outreach activities.
Organising Secretary Dr. Mudasir Bashir Gugjoo said the workshop received 120 applications for just 20 seats, including participation from an international candidate from Grenada.
Over the next 10 days, participants will receive expert lectures and hands-on training in stem cell and exosome isolation, biomaterial fabrication through 3D printing and electrospinning, preclinical evaluation, regulatory frameworks and clinical applications.
A key feature of the programme will be an industry-academia-policy dialogue on opportunities, challenges and the regulatory roadmap for veterinary stem cell therapeutics in India.
The workshop features experts from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, University of California, San Francisco, University of Michigan, Queen Mary University of London and leading Indian institutions, including IITs, AIIMS, IVRI, ICMR, SKIMS and NIT Srinagar.
Concluding the inaugural session, Prof. Amatul Muhee, Head, Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, reaffirmed SKUAST-K’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine through research, innovation and strategic collaborations.
