The Department of Chemistry, under the aegis of the Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR), successfully organized the Two-Week Skill Development Training Program on Advanced Analytical Techniques from October 8 to 18, 2025. The program aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical expertise through intensive hands-on training on advanced analytical instruments. A total of 46 participants from reputed institutions including King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), University of Lucknow, and Integral University participated in expert lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions on HPLC, ICP-MS, and LC-MS/MS. The program concluded with a valedictory ceremony and received highly positive feedback, highlighting its significant impact on participants’ analytical and research competencies.
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was held on October 8, 2025, at Room D113, Academic Block-D, Integral University, Lucknow. The session was graced by Prof. Abdul Rahman Khan (Head, Department of Chemistry & Dean, Faculty of Science) Prof. Wahajul Haq (Director, ICEIR & Dean R&D), and Dr. Shahper Nazeer Khan (Deputy Director, ICEIR).
In the welcome address Prof. Abdul Rahman Khan emphasized the importance of skill-oriented training programs in enhancing research quality and strengthening healthcare diagnostics. He encouraged participants to make optimum use of the program to enhance their technical competence and contribute meaningfully to translational and interdisciplinary research. He further highlighted that hands-on exposure to advanced analytical instrumentation is essential for developing industry-ready researchers capable of addressing contemporary scientific challenges. He also stressed the role of such capacity-building initiatives in fostering innovation, improving data reliability, and promoting a strong research culture within academic institutions.
In his address Prof. Wahajul Haq highlighted the growing relevance of advanced analytical techniques in pharmaceutical, environmental, and clinical research and reaffirmed ICEIR’s commitment to supporting such capacity-building initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, research excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He further emphasized that access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and expert mentorship is crucial for translating academic research into practical solutions. He also underscored ICEIR’s vision of creating a robust research ecosystem that encourages knowledge sharing, technological advancement, and collaborative problem-solving across disciplines..
Dr. Shahper Nazeer Khan stressed the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and shared research facilities in advancing analytical sciences. He emphasized that integrating chemistry with pharmaceutical, medical, and life sciences research significantly broadens the scope and real-world applicability of analytical techniques, leading to high-impact outcomes.
Dr. Jamal Akhtar Ansari, Program Coordinator and Faculty In-charge, Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), outlined the objectives, structure, and schedule of the program, highlighting the balanced integration of theoretical concepts with extensive hands-on practical training to ensure effective skill development. The session was hosted by Dr. Saimah Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry.
Theory Sessions (October 8–11, 2025)
The theoretical component of the training provided a strong conceptual foundation in HPLC, ICP-MS, and LC-MS/MS.
Dr. Jamal delivered comprehensive lectures on the principles and applications of LC-MS/MS and advanced mass spectrometry, covering ionization techniques, mass analyzers, fragmentation patterns, and real-world applications in drug analysis, metabolomics, and clinical research. He also emphasized method optimization, sensitivity enhancement, and data interpretation strategies, enabling participants to understand the critical parameters influencing analytical performance and result reliability in modern mass spectrometric analysis.
Dr. Mohammed Shariq (Faculty of Pharmacy) conducted an in-depth session on HPLC, focusing on chromatographic principles, method development, validation, detector selection, and troubleshooting. Dr. Zainab Feroz, delivered a detailed lecture on ICP-MS, explaining plasma generation, ionization, detection, and applications in trace elemental analysis for environmental, pharmaceutical, and biomedical studies.
Hands-On Practical Sessions (October 13–18, 2025)
The core strength of the program was its extensive hands-on training conducted in rotational batches on HPLC, ICP-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Participants gained direct experience in sample preparation, instrument calibration, method development, data acquisition, and troubleshooting under GLP-compliant conditions, thereby enhancing their confidence in independently operating sophisticated analytical instruments and ensuring data quality and reproducibility.
HPLC Training
Conducted by Dr. Mohammed Shariq and Dr. Zainab Feroz, the session covered instrument startup, mobile phase preparation, system suitability testing, sample injection, and method development. Special emphasis was placed on evaluating analytical parameters such as linearity, precision, and reproducibility, along with practical troubleshooting of common issues including pressure fluctuations, baseline noise, and peak abnormalities, reinforcing best laboratory practices and safe instrument handling.
ICP-MS Training
Led by Dr. Jamal, the sessions included microwave-assisted sample digestion, plasma ignition, instrument tuning, quantitative trace metal analysis, calibration curve preparation, data validation, and interference correction strategies. Participants were also trained in optimizing analytical parameters, implementing quality control measures, and adhering to GLP and safety protocols, enabling them to perform high-precision elemental analysis with accuracy and confidence
LC-MS/MS Training
This session was conducted by Dr. Jamal, focused on bioanalytical and pharmaceutical applications, including instrument familiarization, method optimization, compound quantification, and data processing. Special emphasis was placed on different modes of ionization such as Electrospray Ionization (ESI), along with mass spectrometric scanning modes including full scan, Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM), and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Participants were trained in qualitative analysis using mass spectrometry software platforms Mass Hunter with hands-on exposure to peak identification, and fragmentation interpretation. The sessions also covered optimization of critical software parameters including dwell time, collision energy, cone/declustering voltage, scan speed, and resolution, enabling participants to achieve improved sensitivity, selectivity, and robust analytical performance.
Valedictory Session
The valedictory ceremony was held on October 18, 2025, at Hall-3, Central Auditorium Building, Integral University, Lucknow, and was presided over by Prof. Abdul Rahman Khan, Prof. Wahajul Haq, and Dr. Shahper Nazeer Khan. The dignitaries appreciated the enthusiasm and active participation of the trainees and commended the dedicated efforts of the resource persons Dr. Jamal Akhtar Ansari, Dr. Mohammad Shariq, Dr. Zainab Feroz and Department of Chemistry in successfully organizing the program. Certificates of participation were distributed to all trainees.
Dr. Jamal presented a comprehensive summary report of the program, followed by participant feedback highlighting enhanced confidence in handling sophisticated analytical instruments and interpreting complex analytical data. Several participants expressed that the training would significantly benefit their ongoing and future research activities and improve their laboratory efficiency. The dignitaries encouraged participants to apply the acquired skills ethically and innovatively in their academic and professional pursuits. The valedictory session was smoothly hosted by Dr. Saimah Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, and the program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mohammed Shariq and a group photograph..
Key Outcomes and Impact
· Enhanced hands-on proficiency in HPLC, ICP-MS, and LC-MS/MS
· Effective integration of theory with practical analytical workflows
· Improved troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
· Promotion of interdisciplinary research and collaboration
· Strengthened academic and professional networking among participants