SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, organised the Second Contact Session of the Brief Course in Psychiatric Research – 5 (BCPR-5). This four-day academic event, organised by the Research Capacity Building Committee of the Indian Psychiatric Society – South Zonal Branch (IPS-SZB) in association with the Chennai Psychiatric Society and the Department of Psychiatry, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, brought together 49 enthusiastic participants and 11 distinguished resource persons for an immersive training in research methodology and scientific writing From 19th to 22nd June 2025.
The sessions were conducted at the Stratus Simulation Centre, with participants representing diverse institutions across South India. The program focused on building foundational and advanced skills in psychiatric research, from statistical testing and manuscript preparation to community-based research and academic presentations.
The event commenced with an inaugural function attended by eminent academic and institutional leaders. Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor (MHS) & Dean (Medical), SRMMCHRC presided over the function, alongside Dr. T. Mythili, Additional Registrar, SRMMCHRC and Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent of SRMMCHRC. The course was introduced by Dr. Denis Xavior, BCPR Course Director, with additional remarks from Dr. Suhas Chandran, Resource Person, and Dr. Arul Saravanan R, Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, SRMMCHRC, and Co-Chair of BCPR.
Academic Highlights
Day 1: 19th June (Thursday)
The academic sessions were inaugurated by Dr. Vikas Menon and Dr. Samir Kumar Praharaj, who led in-depth modules on parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Their lectures were followed by sessions on manuscript writing and the effective presentation of data using tables and figures.
Day 2: 20th June (Friday)
Dr. Donthu Raj Kiran opened the day with reflections on academic writing, setting the tone for sessions by Dr. Sai Krishna Tikka and Dr. Sujit Sarkhel, who shared expert tips on writing the discussion section, crafting effective titles, and composing impactful abstracts. The day concluded with interactive group activities and a comprehensive SPSS training session by Dr. Raghul Gandhi.
Day 3: 21st June (Saturday)
Participants were divided into six groups to present their research protocols. These were evaluated by an expert panel comprising Dr. Balaji, M.D., Professor of Paediatrics, SRMMCHRC; Dr. Melvin George, D.M., Head of the Centre for Clinical Trials Research (CCTR), SRM MCH&RC; and Dr. Vijaya Raghavan, M.D., Senior Consultant, SCARF, Chennai. Post-presentation sessions focused on academic communication, with workshops on slide design by Dr. Sai Krishna Tikka and poster creation by Dr. Suhas Chandran.
Day 4: 22nd June (Sunday)
The final day emphasised practical research skills. Sessions included poster-making, basics of grant writing, and a special lecture on community-based psychiatric research by Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar. His insights grounded the academic discourse in real-world applications and challenges.
Awards & Recognition
The valedictory session was held on Sunday, 22nd June 2025, in the presence of Dr. George Reddy, Honorary Secretary of IPS-SZB, alongside Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar, Dr. Denis Xavior, Dr. R. Arul Saravanan, Dr. Suhas Chandran, Dr. Sai Krishna Tikka, and Dr. Donthu Raj Kiran. Outstanding performances from participants—both from the first contact session in March and the second session—were recognised with awards:
● Prof. Dr. M.V. Ashok Memorial Award for Best Group Protocol Presentation (₹16,000) was awarded to the Curious Crew group.
● Dr. Vinoth Krishna Das Award for Best Participant (₹4,000 shared) was jointly awarded to Dr. Vel Prashanth Venkatesan and Dr. Harsh Avinash Thappa.
● First Runner-Up Award was given to Dr. Avinash for his commendable contribution.
The second contact session of BCPR-5 exemplified the successful collaboration between experienced mentors and young psychiatric professionals. Participants engaged actively in hands-on activities, developed essential skills in scientific research, writing, and communication, and built a vibrant academic community. The informal, friendly, and inclusive environment fostered by the organisers and resource persons made learning both enjoyable and impactful.
The BCPR initiative continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the research capabilities of future psychiatrists in India. With its blend of rigorous academic training, mentorship, and peer learning, BCPR-5 at SRM MCH&RC truly lived up to its vision of empowering the next generation of leaders in psychiatric research.
