ICMR-Sponsored National Workshop on Medicinal Plants to Combat AMR Begins April 3 at Abhilashi University.
Shimla:
A significant step toward addressing the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be taken as a week-long national workshop, sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research, is set to commence on April 3, 2026, at Abhilashi University. The workshop will continue until April 9 and is centered on the theme, “Medicinal Plants as Novel Antimicrobial Agents: A Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).”
With antibiotic resistance rapidly reducing the effectiveness of conventional treatments, the workshop highlights the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. In this context, research into bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants is gaining momentum as a promising solution. The program aims to equip participants with advanced scientific knowledge and practical skills to explore the antimicrobial potential of such natural resources.
The workshop will feature hands-on training in modern laboratory techniques, including phytochemical extraction, compound isolation, antimicrobial assays, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and UV-Visible spectroscopy. These sessions are designed to provide participants with practical exposure to cutting-edge methodologies used in drug discovery and microbiological research.
Renowned scientists and experts from leading institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Ministry of AYUSH, along with other prominent research organizations, will share their expertise and insights during the event. Their participation is expected to enrich discussions and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
The workshop is tailored for postgraduate students, research scholars, faculty members, and early-career researchers in disciplines such as Ayurveda, microbiology, pharmacy, and biotechnology. A total of 40 participants from across India have been selected, including distinguished scientists, academicians, and medical professionals, ensuring a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment.
In addition to laboratory sessions, the program will include group discussions, laboratory visits, daily quizzes, and a final assessment. Participants will receive free accommodation and meals, along with certificates upon successful completion of the workshop. Notably, there is no registration fee, making the initiative highly accessible.
In his message, Chancellor Dr. R. K. Abhilashi emphasized that AMR poses a serious global health challenge and stressed the importance of developing safe and effective alternatives. He expressed confidence that medicinal plant-based research could pave the way for innovative solutions. Vice-Chancellor Prof. H. K. Chaudhary echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to foster research and innovation.
The university administration believes that this initiative will not only accelerate research in medicinal plants but also strengthen scientific efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, ultimately contributing to global health advancement.
