Dr SM Balaji was invited by Dr OP Kharbanda (CDER, AIIMS, New Delhi) to the Centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS) recently for the National Brainstorming Meeting on Advancing Dental Research in India.
Dr SM Balaji (Science Information Committee, IADR and Secretary General, ISDR) is a core member of the International Association for Dental Research-Regional Development Program (IADR-RDP) project committee. Dental Research is a rapidly developing aspect of dentistry in India today and there are many centers that have devoted significant resources towards this.
The IADR-RDP was established with the aim of providing research grants to pioneering studies that would help expand the horizons of known knowledge and advance current scientific knowledge. The core members of this project committee analyze the research submissions for potential future implications and beneficial applications.
Recognition of contributions to dental research by Dr SM Balaji
Guest of Honour and Chief Guest at the Brainstorming meeting
Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi and Lt Gen Sanjay Londhe, Director General, Dental Services, Army Dental Corps, Special Invitees, spoke about their experiences with medical and dental research in the country.
Dr Ritu Duggal, CDER, AIIMS, formally welcomed the Director General to the meeting. The meeting was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the invited dignitaries.
Impetus towards fostering greater growth of research opportunities in India
Also invited to the gathering were key opinion leaders who are heading key research projects in the country. Dr SM Balaji addressed the gathering, speaking at length about research opportunities in the country and how to best utilize time and budgetary constraints in the most resourceful manner.
Key resolutions adopted during the course of the meeting
Intense discussions were held over the course of the day and important resolutions were tabled towards the advancement of dental research. Pros and cons of choosing a career in research in India were explained by full time researchers present at the meeting. Ways to motivate more professionals towards choosing a fulltime career in research was delved into at depth.
The meeting was a resounding success with unanimous acceptance of the resolutions passed. Further annual meetings have been planned under the auspices of IADR and CDER, AIIMS, New Delhi.
