ICMR-SHINE 2026: Inspiring Young Minds Through Science and Research
Aug. 11, 2026 - Aug. 12, 2026
ICMR–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis conducted ICMR-SHINE 2026 (Science & Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers) to introduce school students to the world of biomedical research and inspire them to explore science beyond the classroom.
Held under the theme “Spend One Day with a Scientist,” SHINE 2026 is a nationwide ICMR initiative being conducted across ICMR institutes, regional centres and field units. The programme aims to provide young students with an opportunity to interact with scientists, experience research environments and understand how scientific evidence contributes to addressing public health challenges.
At ICMR-NIRT, Chennai, the programme was conducted on 11 and 12 August 2026, with nearly 550 students from Standards 9 to 12 participating from five schools—Good Shepherd Matriculation School, Nungambakkam; Dr. Ambedkar Government Higher Secondary School, Egmore; Don Bosco School of Excellence, Egmore; Asan Memorial Higher Secondary School; and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gill Nagar.
The students were taken through different research stations and laboratories, where they witnessed live scientific demonstrations and explored posters and videos related to biomedical research. They also had the opportunity to interact with ICMR scientists working in areas related to TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. An interactive quiz helped reinforce their learning while adding an element of fun and participation.
The SHINE experience was also extended to the ICMR-NIRT Madurai Unit, where around 500 students from six schools participated in laboratory visits, scientific demonstrations and interactions with scientists. The Chennai and Madurai programmes together reached more than 1,000 school students.
The programme provided students with a glimpse into the work carried out at ICMR-NIRT and helped them understand the journey from scientific research to public health impact. For an institute with nearly seven decades of experience in tuberculosis research, SHINE also offered an opportunity to share this legacy and ongoing research with the next generation.
The organisers expressed their sincere appreciation to all the participating schools, principals, teachers and students for their enthusiastic participation and support. The successful conduct of SHINE 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of the scientists, technical and administrative staff and volunteers of ICMR-NIRT at Chennai and Madurai.
