A 15-day AICTE-sponsored Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) is on at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor Manipal Academy of Higher Education inaugurated the QIP in the presence of Dr. N Udupa (Director-Research Manipal Academy of Higher Education), Dr. C Mallikarjuna Rao (Principal MCOPS) and Dr M Sreenivasa Reddy (Vice Principal MCOPS). The theme of the QIP is: New chemical entities and Biosimilars: Strategies for design and development. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ballal praised AICTE for the support provided for the knowledge up-gradation of the teachers. He applauded MCOPS for organizing such programs time to time. He invited the delegates to explore the facilities and opportunities in Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Dr C Mallikarjuna Rao welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address, he stressed upon the importance of continuing education and keeping the pace with the recent developments in pharmaceutical sciences. Dr J Venkata Rao proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Jayaprakash, conducted the inaugural function as the host. The 15-day programme is coordinated and conducted by the departments of pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical biotechnology and pharmacology. While lectures on recent advances are the features of the morning sessions, the afternoon sessions are entirely devoted to experimental demonstrations using new techniques and instruments. The faculty of the respective departments are the resource persons in most cases. However, a few guest speakers are also delivering important and relevant lectures. The research scholars and postgraduate students are involved in experimental demonstrations. The QIP has around 30 participants, drawn from pharmacy colleges around the country and from MCOPS.