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In a significant move to modernize India’s health research ecosystem, the Department of Health Research (DHR) under the Union ministry of health & family welfare, is all set to roll out a month-long specialized training programme titled “AI in Health Research: From Discovery to Delivery.” Scheduled to run from May 4 to May 29, 2026, the initiative aims to upgrade the skills of faculty members, students, and mid-career scientists working in medical colleges, universities, and research institutions across the country.
The programme will be conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR- NIRRCH) in Mumbai, a premier biomedical research institute operating under the ICMR. Known for its expertise in basic, clinical, operational, and implementation research, the institute will host participants for an intensive four-week course designed to bridge the gap between emerging artificial intelligence technologies and real-world health research challenges.
Officials say the initiative reflects the DHR’s broader commitment to strengthening the scientific workforce by equipping researchers with modern biomedical and computational tools. By integrating artificial intelligence with traditional biomedical sciences, the program aims to empower researchers to address priority national health issues ranging from disease detection to healthcare delivery.
The course is structured as a comprehensive primer on the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and health research. Participants will gain conceptual understanding and practical exposure to machine learning and deep learning applications used in diagnostics, drug discovery, epidemiological modelling, disease risk prediction, and health data analysis. Beyond theoretical instruction, the training will also focus on the translation of AI-driven discoveries into real-world healthcare solutions, covering critical aspects such as experimental validation, interpretation of AI outputs, and regulatory and ethical considerations in deploying AI-based medical technologies.
A distinctive feature of the program is its emphasis on hands-on laboratory training alongside computational learning. Participants will work with advanced biomedical techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, droplet digital PCR, DNA sequencing, pyrosequencing, ELISA, and flow cytometry. These practical sessions will be integrated with training in data processing and bioinformatics workflows, enabling researchers to connect laboratory findings with computational analysis.
The training will follow an interactive learning format combining lectures, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, panel discussions, and collaborative group activities. Assignments and project work will also form a key part of the curriculum, allowing participants to apply newly acquired skills to real-world research problems. In addition to technical training, the program will include modules on research methodology, covering essential topics such as study design, grant writing, sample size estimation, and basic biostatistics, which are crucial for developing successful research proposals.
Applications for the course will be accepted online from March 1 to March 16, 2026, with the selection results scheduled to be announced on March 31. The program is open to faculty members from medical colleges, universities, and research institutions, including those affiliated with Medical Research Units (MRUs) and Multi-Disciplinary Research Units for Health (MRHRUs). Eligible applicants include professionals with qualifications such as MBBS, MPharm, MD, MDS, MVSc, BDS, BAMS, or PhD who are interested in pursuing or strengthening a research career.
The DHR has also encouraged participation from candidates based in north-eastern states and those working in semi-urban or rural regions, highlighting the government’s intent to ensure equitable access to advanced research training across diverse geographical areas. Applicants must submit their applications through the proper institutional channel along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the head of their department.
“The launch of this training initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming global healthcare systems. By fostering interdisciplinary skills that combine biomedical science with advanced computational methods, the program is expected to build a new generation of researchers capable of translating technological innovation into practical healthcare solutions for India’s evolving public health needs,” according to an official.
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