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Bench-to-Bedside Research

Kashmir Care Foundation holds the session in memory of Dr. Maharaj Kishan Bhan
10:10 PM Jan 26, 2025 IST | Guest Contributor
bench to bedside research
Representational image
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Kashmir Care Foundation (KCF) hosted its December virtual session on 'Bench-to-Bedside Research; Translational and Biomedical Sciences', which explored the role of basic and translational sciences in development of medical products through proof-of-concept studies. This session was held in memory of Dr. Maharaj Kishan Bhan, born in Kanikadal, Srinagar. Dr. Bhan’s 30 years of collaborative work at both national and international levels contributed to the development of a safe, effective, and life-saving rotavirus vaccine, which continues to save lives today.

The session opened with a heartfelt video tribute by the KCF team, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. M.K. Bhan. The session was joined by several close friends and colleagues of Dr. Bhan. Known for his innovation, charisma, and leadership, Dr. Bhan made groundbreaking contributions to both basic and translational sciences in the area of nutrition and diarrheal diseases.  Dr. Bhan assembled an exceptional collaborative team of researchers that led to the development of rotavirus vaccine in Public-Private-Partnership.  He was also an institution builder, always thinking about the future with a focus on harnessing the gains of biomedical sciences and technologies for developing medical products for public health.  Dr. Bhan was a trailblazer and an innovator in research and biotechnology, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. With his humble roots in Kashmir, he remains a national hero, remembered for winning hearts, inspiring minds, and leaving an indelible mark on India's scientific landscape.

For Kashmir Care Foundation, he is our Global Kashmiri; one who continues to inspire our future generations.

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Insights from the session

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The panelists of the session were some of the most inspiring Kashmiri scientists, each making groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields. The panelists included Dr. Khalid Shah (Professor, Harvard University), Dr. Ajaz ul Hamid Wani (Principal Investigator, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir), Dr. Aamir Nazir (Senior-Principal Scientist and Professor, Toxicology, CSIR-CDRI Lucknow), Dr. Hamid Mattoo (Director, Precision Medicine, Sanofi, USA), Dr. Nadeem Shabir (Assistant Professor, SKUAST Kashmir) and Dr. Tanzila Mukhtar (Postdoctoral scholar, University of California San Francisco).

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These exceptional individuals are at the forefront of fields such as stem cell biology, genome organization, precision medicine, and drug discovery. Their work is at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, reshaping the future of science and medicine, and holding the promise of personalized medicine and new therapies against cancer and other chronic and infectious diseases. The panelists shared their personal stories, offering insights into their career paths and the pioneering work they are doing.

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What makes their stories even more remarkable is that they all began their journeys in Kashmir, starting from humble beginnings and rising to prominence on the global stage. Their diverse expertise and experiences provided valuable lessons for all participants. The panelists’ highlighted the importance of ‘resilience and perseverance’—two essential qualities for anyone pursuing a career in research. Attendees were captivated by the innovative strides these leaders have made, with special focus on their contributions that are shaping the future of medicine and scientific discovery.

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KCF would like to reiterate the core messages of ‘resilience and perseverance’ shared by the panelists to students and young professionals as they advance their education and professional careers.

Dr. Khalid Shah discussed the ‘adaptability’ required for a successful research career, stressing the importance of collaboration. A staunch advocate for teamwork, he highlighted the necessity of assembling the right people to drive meaningful progress. With the rise of AI/ML and advanced research technologies, Dr. Shah emphasized the need for the ‘evolution of work and mind.’ His forward-thinking approaches have played a pivotal role in developing innovative gene edited and engineered cellular immunotherapies for cancer. He also pointed out that a career in academia demands ‘unwavering determination and sacrifices’, often constrained by limited funding opportunities. Having explored therapeutic interventions, Dr. Shah, discussing the key stakeholders involved in any initiative, outlined the best practices for effectively pitching ideas to investors.

Dr. Ajaz ul Hamid Wani, with his diverse and dynamic career path, has intentionally chosen to work close to his roots. He discussed the significance of ‘acquiring transferable skills’, particularly in grant writing, and emphasized the importance of having an intrinsic passion for pursuing a career in research. Dr. Wani also shared valuable information about sponsored internship opportunities at Kashmir University, promoted by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). He further highlighted the need for students interested in translational roles to attend conferences, participate in symposia, and gain laboratory or industry experience to enhance their careers.

Dr. Hamid Mattoo has experienced both academia and industry, offering a unique perspective on the need for ‘clarity’ in career pursuits. Reflecting on his own career journey, Dr. Mattoo emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities beyond academia and knowing the right moment to make that transition. Drawing from his diverse background, he emphasized that both academia and industry require an ‘appropriate integration of skills, aptitude, and passion’. He highlighted the distinct advantages of industry roles, particularly the opportunity to work closely on translational research and patient care, which provides a rewarding and timely impact.

Dr. Aamir Nazir discussed his team’s contributions to advance drug discovery in India. Working alongside a creative group with extensive expertise in biomedical research, he emphasized the critical role of ‘developing indigenous drug development’ platforms. With a wealth of mentorship experience, Dr. Nazir stressed the importance of “transparent communication” in any professional environment. He also highlighted the Jigyasa program at CDRI, Lucknow, that encourages student-scientist connections, as an excellent opportunity for scholars seeking internship experiences in diverse fields.

Dr. Nadeem Shabir, a veterinarian by training and a passionate researcher, is dedicated to developing a genetically stable poultry vaccine candidate with enhanced resistance to mutations. He shared insights into his transition to an entrepreneurial role, highlighting key milestones in his ambitious journey. Dr. Shabir emphasized the ‘importance of innovation and the need to nurture the next generation of leaders’. He discussed the challenges of selling an idea and seeing it through to execution, stressing the value of ongoing engagement for students. He also encouraged students to explore potential internship opportunities at SKUAST, Kashmir.

Dr. Tanzila Mukhtar, who acted as both moderator and panelist, shared insights on drawing inspiration from personal experiences. Reflecting on her own academic journey, she highlighted the importance of ‘finding a job that brings happiness and excitement.’ She urged young women to think creatively and explore careers in STEM, emphasizing the need for greater regional representation in these fields.

The session sparked a lively exchange of thoughtful questions from the audience, with panelists responding to inquiries about their work, mentorship, and innovative initiatives. It was truly inspiring to engage with curious, eager minds and witness such vibrant participation. The panelists acknowledged the challenges faced by Kashmiri students, particularly the ‘limited exposure to critical thinking and curiosity’. They emphasized the value of ‘learning from failures, seeking feedback, incorporating critical thinking, scientific reading, and organizing active journal clubs in schools and universities.’

They also stressed the importance of ‘students shadowing doctors and researchers, engaging in laboratory work, attending conferences, and building networks’—essential steps in cultivating the next generation of leaders. The panelists’ achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the immense talent within the Kashmir region. While recognizing that there is always more to learn, this session marked just the beginning of an exciting journey into groundbreaking subjects.

Continuing Dr. Bhan’s legacy

Alongside an enlightening exchange, the session reinforced the idea of ‘dreaming big’ and actively pursuing opportunities to make those dreams a reality. Dr. Nirmal K. Ganguly, a distinguished Indian microbiologist and former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the esteemed Dr. Roger I. Glass, former Director of the John E. Fogarty International Center, US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the biotechnology innovator Dr. Krishna Ella, Managing Director of Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) shared their warm anecdotes, reflecting on their long-standing friendship and impactful collaborations with Dr. Bhan. Ms. Gijira Bhan, the wife of Dr. M.K. Bhan, expressed her deepest gratitude to KCF for the touching tribute and shared poignant words in memory of her late husband.

A Promising Future

The session concluded with Dr. Altaf Lal announcing the next KCF event: ‘Medical Products: From Target to Market,’ scheduled for January 26, 2025, which is the 5th death anniversary of Dr. Raj Bhan. The panel will feature distinguished leaders, including Dr. Riyaz Bashir (Temple University), Dr. Arshad Khuroo (Sun Pharmaceuticals, India), Dr. Hira Nakhasi (CBER, US FDA, USA), Dr. Aasim Amin (MorphoSys, Germany), Dr. Mudasir Andrabi (SKUAST, Kashmir), and Dr. Mahrukh Banday (Curiox Biosystems, USA). This session will further honor the life, contributions, and legacy of Dr. M.K. Bhan, through an engaging conversation by panelists from early research and development that provides the proof-of-concept to development of devices, drugs, vaccines and biologicals for public health needs.

It will continue KCF's mission to inspire innovation and collaboration in the field of biomedicine. To stay updated on our work, follow KCF on Facebook and Instagram at kashmircarefoundation.org.

Authors:

Dr. Tanzila Mukhtar (Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California, San Francisco)

Dr. Hamid Mattoo (Director, Precision Medicine, Sanofi, USA)

Dr. Nadeem Shabir (Assistant Professor, SKUAST Kashmir)

Dr. Khalid Shah (Professor, Harvard University)

Link: https://youtu.be/7QIRTS34_gU?feature=shared