Orientation on Research Facilities

Date: 9th December 2024
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Venue: LT-4, 4th Floor, Santosh Deemed to be University (SDU)
Purpose: Introduction to Research Fundamentals and Development of Research Skills

The Orientation on Research for the first-year MBBS students aimed to familiarize them with the essentials of research, ignite their interest in academic inquiry, and equip them with the foundational tools for their research journey. The session was chaired by (Prof.) Dr. Jyoti Batra, Dean Research, and attended by faculty members, research scholars, and 73 enthusiastic students.

Agenda Highlights

1. Introduction to Research Fundamentals:
   A comprehensive session to introduce the basic principles and practices of research in medicine.

2. Student Interests and Challenges:
   The Dean’s address emphasized the critical role of research in academic and professional growth. Students engaged in an interactive session, discussing their research interests, challenges, and methodological concerns.

3. Research Support Team Introduction:
   Faculty members and Ph.D. scholars, including Ms. Kirti Bharadwaj (Statistician), Ms. Sonakshi Bhargava, and Dr. Shazia Saifi, were introduced to students. Their role in guiding and mentoring students through research challenges was outlined.

4. Research Resources and Tools Presentation:
   Students were introduced to essential tools and resources, such as Scopus and research database navigation. A practical demonstration on navigating these tools was delivered by the research team.

Key Points Discussed

• Dean’s Research Address:
  Dr. Jyoti Batra highlighted the importance of research in developing critical thinking and advancing medical knowledge. She encouraged students to identify their interests and overcome potential challenges with proper guidance.

• Interactive Q&A Session:
  Students raised important queries about research ethics, plagiarism policies, sample size determination, reference management, and selecting quartile journals for publication. The session addressed their concerns and provided clear guidance.

• Hands-On Learning:
  A practical demonstration on using research databases and tools equipped students with skills to access and analyze scholarly resources effectively.

• Encouragement for Collaboration:
  The session emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative research approaches while fostering strong mentor-student relationships.

Next Steps

• Conduct follow-up sessions to deepen research skills.
• Arrange individual mentorship meetings with faculty and scholars.
• Plan a comprehensive workshop to enhance research methodologies.

The session concluded with an inspiring message encouraging students to actively participate in research and leverage institutional support to embark on their academic research journey.