In a majority of crop, animal and fisheries experiments both fixed and random effects are invariably found. Ignoring or mistreating random effects inadvertently leads to inappropriate analyses and wrong inferences. Employing the General Linear (Mixed) Models (GLMM) for analyses of research data is the best way to arrive at proper conclusions; but analysis through GLMM is a formidable task. Adopting GLMM needs a thorough knowledge of mixed models and statistical software.

Keeping these points in mind, the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai and Indian Fisheries Association (IFA), Mumbai organized an International workshop on ‘Linear Mixed Models in Practice: An As-REML-Oriented Approach’ From 13-15 Oct 2016 at CIFE, Mumbai.

Dr. Arthur Gilmour, Ret. Professor New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW-DPI), Australia, an authority on mixed models and the principal developer of the AsREML software was the key resource person of this workshop. A total of 34 faculty members, scientists and research scholars from government and private organizations attended the workshop. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Gopal Krisha, Director, CIFE & President Indian Fisheries Association. In his inaugural address he emphasized the need to have appropriate experimental designs and to adopt proper statistical models in analyzing the research data for meaningful inferences. During the workshop live data sets were provided to the participants for hands-on analysis. Many participants analyzed their own research data with the guidance of Dr. Gilmour. Dr. S.D. Tripathi, former Director, CIFE was the chief guest for the valedictory function held on 15^th Oct 2016. The function was chaired by Dr. Gopal Krishna, Director, CIFE and Dr. W.S. Lakra, former Director, CIFE also graced the occasion. The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Shrinivas Jahageerdar, Principal Scientist, FGB Division, CIFE.