The second edition of ICMR-SHINE (Science and Health Innovation for NextGen Explorers) began on Tuesday, bringing school students into health research laboratories across the country as part of a two-day nationwide open-day programme.
Organised by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the programme is being held on August 11 and 12 across 83 locations, including ICMR institutes, Model Rural Health Research Units and affiliated field units.
The initiative is expected to provide around 30,000 students an opportunity to experience health research first-hand and interact with scientists.
The programme covers locations across the country, from Keylong in Himachal Pradesh to Kerala and from Diu to Nagaland, taking scientific research closer to students in different regions.
Speaking on the occasion, DHR Secretary and ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl encouraged students to remain curious, ask questions and consider science as a career.
He said every discovery begins with a question and every innovation with the willingness to explore new possibilities. He also urged students to look at science not merely as a subject but as a career through which they can contribute to improving people’s lives.
During his interaction with participating students, Dr Bahl responded to their questions on science, health and research and encouraged them to think beyond textbooks.
He also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing ICMR’s research and innovations, giving students an opportunity to understand how scientific discoveries are translated into solutions for real-world health challenges.
Students from Classes 9 to 12, from both government and private schools, are participating in the programme. They are being taken on guided laboratory tours and are getting an opportunity to witness live demonstrations, research exhibitions, poster walks and video presentations.
The students are also interacting with ICMR scientists to learn about their research journeys, areas of expertise and work in public health.
The initiative features Dr Curio as its official mascot. The mascot is being used across SHINE’s outreach material, posters and social media platforms and also serves as the narrator for a series of interactive videos explaining ICMR’s work.
ICMR has also launched the official SHINE website, providing students with resources, programme updates and opportunities related to health research.
As part of the initiative, ICMR announced a nationwide school competition in which students will be encouraged to frame their own research questions and suggest solutions to real-world public health challenges.
The programme seeks to make scientific research more accessible to young learners by allowing them to see how laboratories and researchers address health challenges affecting communities.
The initiative is also aimed at nurturing scientific temper among students and encouraging them to explore careers in research and innovation.
