A short term training program sponsored by ICAR, New Delhi on “Recent Advances in Molecular Taxonomy” was organized by Fish Genetics and Biotechnology division, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai from 5^th to 14^th December 2016. The training was directed by Dr. Aparna Chaudhari and coordinated by Dr. A. Pavan Kumar and Dr. Gireesh Babu P. Sixteen participants (14 men and 2 women) from 3 ICAR institutes and 13 state agricultural colleges such as ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal; TNFU, Ponneri; ZSI center, Chennai; NCSCM, Chennai; CFSc, Junagadh etc participated in this program.

Theoretical aspects on species concepts, molecular basis of evolution, DNA barcoding, phylogenetics, cytotaxonomy, sequencing techniques, proteomics, etc. were covered along with hands-on training on related techniques and software. A training manual was also provided to the trainees.

The pre- and post-training evaluation of trainees was performed and participants showed an improvement of ~50% in their knowledge related to the subject. The participants rated the training as ‘Excellent’. During the valedictory function, Dr. Gopal Krishna, Director, ICAR-CIFE appreciated the efforts of coordinators and resource persons, especially in the light of a very positive feedback from the participants. He urged the trainees to maintain linkages and establish research collaborations with CIFE in future.