In an attempt to offer high quality education in clinical research, especially with a focus to promote ethical research, Vijay Moza, Former Vice Chairman of Institute of Clinical Research India (ICRI), has launched Clinical Research Institute (CRI) at Andheri, Mumbai, recently. Set up with an initial investment of Rs 50 million in Mumbai alone, CRI is expected to offer a platform for research in biomedical and life sciences and pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

CRI will offer a one-year full-time advanced post graduate diploma in clinical research for fresh graduates apart from a one-year part-time post graduate diploma in clinical research for working professionals. Expected to be commenced on October 27, 2007, the first batches of advanced and part-time diploma programmes will have strength of 50 and 100 students, respectively.

According to Vijay Moza, director, CRI, the institute will invest another Rs 100 million in future to expand its reach in the country by setting up similar institutes in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. These institutes will provide high skill training for global leadership to promote ethical research and excellence in clinical research, he added.

"The main attraction of CRI would be its never ending circled chain of interaction between industry and faculty, faculty and students and industry and students. The curriculum will be designed in such a way as to meet the current requirements of the industry. With industry heavyweights like Dr Arun Bhatt, president, Clininvent Research India, at the helm of its core committee, there is no wrong in saying CRI's curriculum is decided by industry people, who are able to bring in necessary changes to it to meet the need of the hour," said, Moza.

Throwing more light on the ambiance of CRI, he said, "With its state-of-the-art facility at Andheri, which houses hi-tech classrooms and a well-stocked library, CRI has the capability to keep the students up-to-date with the latest developments in the Industry. Apart, the institute also has Wi-Fi computer labs to aid students in data search and computer aided studies."

Referring to the CRI's teaching methodology, Dr. Shreekant Sapantekar, Dean, CRI, said, "CRI's teaching methodology will focus on imparting technical training to students. Apart, it will also provide all-round training, including sensitivity training, cross cultural management, presentation skills, personal corporate conduct, public relations, public speaking skills and self development programs."

"The huge manpower requirement in the industry needs to be addressed on a war footing. But the most critical part is the quality of education and training given to students and the delicate balance between the two must to be maintained. CRI has developed a unique learning-by-industry-faculty-student partnership (LIFSP) model and is guided by a core committee, an advisory committee and an academic council. The very best from the pharma industry and academia are a part of CRI's committees, which ensures an industry driven curriculum," Sapantekar added.