• The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organised an initiative titled SHINE – Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers across its institutes and DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs) on August 7 & 8.

• The event saw participation of 13,150 students of classes 9-12 from over 300 schools across 39 districts in 16 states and Union Territories.

Highlights of the initiative:

• The initiative was aimed to introduce students to the field of health and biomedical research, highlight ICMR’s contributions to improving the nation’s health, and motivate young learners to pursue careers in science and public health.

• Through the SHINE initiative, ICMR reaffirmed its commitment to fostering scientific curiosity among young learners and promoting awareness of the vital role of research in advancing public health.

• The programme included a range of interactive activities such as guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work. 

• The students also had the opportunity to interact with ICMR scientists, gaining insights into their research journeys, areas of expertise, and everyday work in public health. 

• In addition, students viewed four specially curated short films highlighting ICMR’s key initiatives: the development of Covaxin-India’s indigenous Vaccine, the iDRONE initiative for innovative healthcare delivery, India’s TB elimination efforts, and Vishanu Yudh Abhyas - a nation-wide mock drill to assess future pandemic preparedness.

• August 8 also marked the 104th birth anniversary of Dr. Vulimiri Ramalingaswami, a distinguished Indian medical scientist, pathologist, medical writer, and Director General of ICMR.

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