The Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) has launched the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers), a nationwide school outreach initiative aimed at encouraging scientific curiosity and research among young students.
The two-day programme, 11–12 August 2026, is being held across 83 locations nationwide, including ICMR institutes, DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs) and affiliated field units. The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for students to “spend one day as a scientist.”
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, secretary, Department of Health Research and director general, ICMR, welcomed participating students and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity by interacting with scientists, exploring research laboratories and experiencing the world of health and innovation firsthand.
S.H.I.N.E. is designed for students in Grades 9 to 12 from government and private schools, encouraging them to apply scientific thinking to real-world public health challenges. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the initiative aims to encourage scientific curiosity for public health solutions among young learners.
This year, participation is by invitation, with ICMR laboratories inviting nearby government and private schools to participate. The programme is expected to reach around 30,000 students nationwide.
During the two-day programme, students will participate in interactive activities, including guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work. They will also interact with ICMR scientists to learn about their research journeys, areas of expertise and everyday work in public health.
By opening its institutes and rural research units to school students, S.H.I.N.E. seeks to make science more tangible and accessible, showing students how research can address health challenges facing their own communities. The initiative also seeks to encourage them to see a future for themselves in scientific enquiry.
ICMR said the initiative reaffirms its commitment to nurturing scientific temper among India’s youth and inspiring the next generation of researchers who will contribute to the country’s health and development goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
