‘Good research begins with the right question’: UHSR Vice-Chancellor

Rohtak, October 23, 2026: Emphasising that asking the right research question is the first step towards meaningful scientific discoveries, a two-day workshop on research methodology started at the PGIDS Dental Auditorium of Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHSR), Rohtak, on Friday.

Organised by the Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU) of PGIMS, Rohtak, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the workshop was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Dr HK Aggarwal, who said research was the foundation of progress in medicine and healthcare.

He stressed that improvements in diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention and patient care depended on the quality of scientific evidence. Framing relevant research questions, selecting appropriate study designs, collecting reliable data and conducting accurate analysis were essential skills for every medical professional, he added.

Dr Aggarwal welcomed the inclusion of sessions on research funding, grant proposals and budgeting, urging young faculty members and resident doctors to take the initiative in developing research proposals instead of waiting for a perfect idea. He also underlined the importance of research ethics, scientific integrity and responsible interpretation of evidence.

Organising chairperson Dr MG Vashisht said the workshop aimed to address methodological shortcomings that often prevented promising research ideas from translating into meaningful findings. Broad research questions, inappropriate study designs, small sample sizes and unsuitable analytical methods could undermine months of hard work, he said.

Registrar Dr Roop Singh said the university was committed to strengthening its research culture, with the MRU playing a key role. Dean Dr Ashok Chauhan said the workshop would benefit faculty members, researchers and students, while Medical Superintendent Dr Sudhir Attri highlighted the importance of sound research methodology in improving hospital services and patient care.

ICMR scientist Dr Tanu Anand said the council was providing ₹2 crore to each MRU for research, with funding of up to ₹6 crore available to high-performing units, depending on their requirements.

ICMR Scientist G Dr Ashu Grover said research funding had doubled over the past two years, stressing that the country needed more committed researchers.

Organising Secretary Dr Sanjay Kumar said the National Medical Commission (NMC) had awarded eight credit hours to the workshop. He added that the university was encouraging postgraduate students to pursue research and that ICMR also had a scheme to support research abroad.

The first day's sessions covered research questions, study design, clinical trial design, implementation research and funding. The second day will focus on sample size, randomisation, intention-to-treat analysis, inferential statistics, diagnostic tests and budgeting. Hands-on group activities have also been planned for both evenings.

Faculty members, PG students, research scholars and experts from ICMR, the Department of Health Research and AIIMS, New Delhi, attended the inaugural session.