Strengthening Research Orientation among Undergraduate Medical Students Through an Indian Council of Medical Research-sponsored Research Methodology Workshop

Abstract

Background: Research competence is an essential attribute of a contemporary medical graduate, but structured research training remains inconsistent across Indian medical institutions. Objective: To evaluate a three-day Indian Council of Medical Research-sponsored Basic Research Methodology Workshop using Kirkpatrick’s four-level framework. Methods: A single-group pre-post educational intervention study was conducted at Government Medical College, Akola, from October 17 to 19, 2024. Thirty-three undergraduate medical students completed pre- and post-workshop knowledge assessments (20-item questionnaire) and a structured feedback questionnaire. Scores were compared using the paired t-test. Results: Knowledge scores increased significantly from 8.87 ± 2.93 before the workshop to 14.43 ± 3.01 after it (paired t-test, P < 0.001). Participants reported high satisfaction with the interactive lectures, hands-on sessions, literature searching, reference management, and group activities. Following the workshop, 23 of 33 participants (69.7%) submitted proposals to the ICMR Short-Term Studentship programme, and one participant subsequently published a peer-reviewed manuscript. Conclusion: Structured workshops combined with practical training and mentorship may strengthen undergraduate research orientation.