Lecture on Early Research Orientation: Building Foundations for Clinical and Medical Research

Published on: August 5, 2024

On 5th August 2024, the Department of Clinical Research at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, organized an Early Research Orientation Lecture. The session was facilitated by Prof. Asha Chandola Saklani and held at the Clinical Research Department, HIMS. Fifteen participants attended the lecture, which aimed to introduce and guide them on the fundamentals of early-stage research in clinical and medical sciences.

Prof. Saklani delivered a comprehensive lecture emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in research methodologies, ethical considerations, and effective data analysis. She provided practical guidance on formulating research questions, designing experiments, and understanding the peer-review process. The lecture was enriched with real-world examples and case studies that illustrated common challenges faced during the early phases of research and effective strategies to overcome them.

The lecture successfully increased participants’ awareness about the essential components of starting a research project. Attendees enhanced their knowledge of research design, methodologies, and ethical issues, empowering them with key skills to conduct sound research. The session also inspired participants to approach their research projects with confidence and clarity, fostering a proactive and focused mindset towards tackling research challenges.

Several attendees reported motivation to refine their research proposals and adopt more rigorous methodologies following the lecture. Additionally, the event provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants and faculty, potentially leading to future joint research endeavors. Though indirectly, the lecture contributed to shaping the research practices and standards that participants will carry forward in their academic and professional pursuits.

Overall, the Early Research Orientation Lecture laid a solid groundwork for participants, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a scientific approach. It highlighted the significance of ethical conduct, innovative thinking, and methodological rigor from the outset, inspiring budding researchers to contribute meaningfully to their fields.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.