New Delhi based Jamia Hamdard University and BD Biosciences, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), have announced FACSTM e-LEARN, a joint online learning program in cell research and diagnostics for young scientists and researchers.

Commenting on the launch, Dr G N Qazi, vice chancellor, Jamia Hamdard University said, "I am confident that academic programs named as FACSTM eLEARN initiative will be unique blend of theoretical knowledge and handson exposure to the wonderful technique of flow cytometry which has found increasing new applications in the fields of science and medicine."

These programs are designed for professionals who are already in a job or a regular academic program. The web module and e-mail support program will be followed by handson experience on Flow Cytometry instruments and applications.

"The establishment of the BD-JH FACS Academy at Jamia Humdard in 2012 was an inspiring initiative to our ongoing education and training programs designed to help increase the capacity of young scientists, researchers and clinicians on a sustainable basis. We believe this joint academic program will be integral towards capacity development in Flow Cytometry in India," said Mr Varun Khanna, managing director, BD India.

The web based learning course will start from 15 July, 2014 and have a five day contact program inclusive of evaluation and examination will be held between November 17-19 December, 2014.

Flow Cytometry has been recognized as one of the important technologies that transformed the face of modern lifescience and biotechnology research in India. Over the past few years, the technology has witnessed continuous improvement and new emerging applications in healthcare research. It scans millions of cells in minimum time and cells of interest can be further tagged with suitable add-ons to study their various characteristics. Flow Cytometry is a count and measure of the physical and chemical characteristics of numerous biological particles such as cells, cell subsets, DNA, surface antigens and bacteria.

The training program comes at a time when the demand for training in Flow Cytometry is growing consistently in India.