A three day International Workshop on Risk Factor Investigation concluded today on December 22, 2017 at the School of Public Health and Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). Dr. JPS Gill, Director of Research, GADVASU informed that in this workshop, the participants learned many important statistical and epidemiological methods including regression modelling, disease prioritisation and risk analysis. They will use these tools and techniques in conducting research in animal disease prevention and control in Punjab. The workshop participants appreciated the systematic approach and hands-on training provided to them on the use of statistical programs and believed that it will enhance their research outcome manifolds. Dr. Gill thanked Associate Professor Navneet Dhand, Co-Leader of the University of Sydney, Australia for sparing his valuable time for facilitating this conference. He also thanked the faculty and students of GADVASU for participation and showing keen interest in learning regression modelling, disease prioritisation and risk analysis. Dr.AS Nanda, Vice-Chancellor GADVASU congratulated the scientists for this endeavour and hoped that it will result in productive research in veterinary and animal sciences. Dr MS Oberoi, Expert, Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations distributed the participation certificates to the workshop attendees.
Dr RS Aulakh, organising secretary of the workshop advised that this international workshop was organised as a part of a collaborative Australia-India Council funded projectfor the development of effective animal disease control programs in India. He thanked the Council for funding this workshop and the disease control project.
Dr Gill, revealed that GADVASU had signed a Memorandum of Understanding for research collaboration with The University of Sydney in 2015. Since then GADVASU and The University of Sydney have worked together in two research projects and have organised four workshops for advanced training of GADVASU scientists and research students. Four experts from University of Sydney – Professor Michael Ward, Associate Professor Navneet Dhand, Associate Professor Marta Hernandez-Jover and Dr Viki Brooks have visited GADVASU in the past two years and one GADVASU scientist Dr Jaswinder Singh has received three month advanced training at The University of Sydney. The collaboration has already produced outstanding results and resulted in publication of several research articles in reputed international journals.
