Belagavi: ICMR-NITM concludes SHINE outreach programme

The ICMR National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM) in Belagavi has completed its SHINE outreach program, a two-day event aimed at engaging secondary school students in biomedical research and health sciences. The program took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, drawing over 1,000 participants from 13 schools and pre-university colleges in the region. In addition, approximately 200 students from surrounding villages attended a similar session at MRHRU Sirwar in Raichur district. The initiative, organized under the ICMR’s broader SHINE (Science and Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers) program, sought to inspire students in grades 9 through 12 to pursue careers in science and health-related fields. The SHINE program offered students a unique opportunity to interact directly with scientists and engage in practical learning experiences. Activities included guided tours of laboratories, hands-on experiments, scientific demonstrations, and direct conversations with researchers working in the field of biomedical science. These sessions allowed students to gain insight into the processes behind medical discoveries and the role of research in solving public health issues. According to reports, the level of engagement among participants exceeded expectations, with many students taking an active role in asking questions and observing experimental procedures rather than merely attending as spectators. In Belagavi, the event was hosted at the ICMR-NITM campus, providing students access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources related to traditional medicine and modern biomedical research. The institute emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity and critical thinking among young minds, particularly in areas that could contribute to India's growing healthcare infrastructure. Similar activities were also held at MRHRU Sirwar, where students from rural backgrounds had the chance to experience the same range of educational opportunities. The SHINE initiative is part of a larger national effort by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote interest in science and research among youth. As such, the program includes a competitive component where students can submit concept notes proposing innovative solutions to public health challenges. This competition, launched on 11 August 2026, invites submissions until 11 September 2026. Participants are encouraged to think critically about current health issues and devise feasible strategies to address them, thereby promoting both creativity and problem-solving skills. The success of the SHINE program in Belagavi and Raichur highlights the potential impact of such initiatives in encouraging young students to pursue careers in science and technology. By exposing them to the realities of scientific research and the possibilities it offers, these programs aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. The involvement of local institutions like ICMR-NITM and MRHRU Sirwar underscores the collaborative nature of the initiative, bringing together experts, educators, and students to foster a culture of inquiry and innovation. The outreach efforts have already begun to yield results, with several students expressing interest in pursuing further studies in biomedical sciences after participating in the program. Organizers noted that the enthusiasm displayed by participants indicated a promising future for the initiative, suggesting that continued support and expansion of such programs could significantly influence the trajectory of scientific education in the country. With the submission period for the national competition still ongoing, attention is now turning toward evaluating the proposals submitted by students across the nation.