The pandemic and the unfolding health crisis has necessitated the quest for novel natural products. Marine organisms that constitute a major share of our planet’s bioresources also manifest unique molecular, cellular and organismal features that include largely unexplored diverse bioactive compounds whose physiological adaptations offer a unique opportunity for advancement in both basic biological science and biotechnological exploitation.

The skill in this important field of natural products from marine bioresources is required to be more widely recognised. Towards this endeavour, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa, conducted a virtual two-day Workshop-cum-Training during 30-31 March 2021 on ‘Natural Products from Marine Bioresources’ under the aegis of CSIR Integrative Skill Initiative.

Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, CSIR-NIO inaugurated the workshop and highlighted the importance of the theme. The Workshop broadly comprised two modules: theoretical and practical demonstrations on basic techniques for purification and characterization of marine natural products and understanding the potential of bioactive compounds from different marine resources as value-added products for biotechnological and industrial applications. 

In addition to talks by eminent researchers on complementary aspects of the thematic area of the Workshop, practical knowledge on advanced analytical instruments was also imparted.

The Plenary session included a panel discussion wherein panellists (researchers of CSIR-NIO, academia and industry) extensively deliberated the prospects and bottlenecks of natural products from marine bioresources.

The attendees of the workshop (> 250) belonged to a diverse spectrum ranging from graduate/post-graduate students, faculties, researchers, industry, etc. RA Sreepada, Skill Nodal officer, CSIR-NIO Coordinated the Workshop-cum-Training.