Pune : 13 August 2026

 

The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) hosted the second edition of ICMR-S.H.I.N.E. (Science and Health Innovation for the NextGen Explorers), on  August 11–12, 2026. This ICMR-NIV outreach brought together 755 students from Classes IX–XII, accompanied by 103 teachers from 50 schools across three states.

S.H.I.N.E is an ICMR initiative to ignite curiosity and inspire school students in Grades IX–XII to consider careers in biomedical research by bringing young minds into India’s leading research  institutes for hands-on experience and one-on-one interaction with scientists. Under S.H.I.N.E, Open School Day activities were organised at both ICMR-NIV,  Pune campuses at Dr. Ambedkar Road and Pashan, as well as at the ICMR-NIV Kerala Field Unit in Alappuzha and ICMR-NIV North Zone, Jammu.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, ICMR,  virtually addressed the students and teachers, highlighting the clarion call of the Hon’ble Prime  Minister Shri Narendra Modi for all school students to “spend one day as a scientist” in a research institution. Encouraging students to ask questions, Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director, ICMR NIV, spoke about the diversity of viruses, mandates of the institute and the importance of virology research.

The “Meet the Scientist” session turned curiosity into conversations, as students engaged with  ICMR-NIV scientists and asked questions about science, viruses and health research. Through  SHINE 2026, ICMR-NIV strengthened its outreach to rural schools, offering students the  opportunity to experience science beyond their classrooms.

Students explored virology through scientific presentations, videos on ICMR’s contributions to  health research, poster sessions, guided tours of virology laboratories and the Entomology  Museum, along with live demonstrations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a question answer session with scientists.

A nationwide SHINE 2026 school competition was announced during the programme, inviting students to transform their curiosity into research questions and propose innovative solutions to address real-world public health challenges.

With SHINE 2026, ICMR-NIV continues to inspire NextGen Explorers to question, explore and  innovate, nurturing the scientific spirit that will shape a Viksit Bharat.

About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) 

ICMR is India’s apex biomedical research organization, with over a century of legacy in  advancing health. Through its 28 institutes across the country, ICMR conducts and facilitates  research to prevent, manage, and treat critical diseases. Its intramural and extramural programs  foster a robust ecosystem for health innovation. By generating evidence that shapes policy ICMR  is committed to making healthcare more equitable, affordable, and accessible - contributing to a  safer and healthier India.  

ICMR National Institute of Virology, Pune (ICMR-NIV) supports this mission through its focus on basic virology, development of medical countermeasures and pandemic preparedness for  viral diseases of public health importance. 

For more, visit https://www.icmr.gov.in/ and https://niv.icmr.gov.in/

 

PIB Mumbai | Yash Rané / Priti Malandkar

 

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