The Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) is organizing the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers) on August 11-12, 2026. This nationwide school outreach program will be hosted across 83 locations including ICMR institutes, DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs), and affiliated field units. The initiative targets approximately 30,000 students from Grades 9-12 from both government and private schools, selected by invitation from nearby ICMR laboratories.
Participants will engage in interactive activities including guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work. Students will have direct interaction opportunities with ICMR scientists to learn about research journeys, areas of expertise, and everyday work in public health. The program is aligned with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aims to encourage scientific curiosity for public health solutions among young learners, making science tangible and accessible while showing how research addresses community health challenges.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, welcomed participating students and encouraged them to maximize this opportunity. The initiative was inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call for students to "spend one day as a scientist" and represents ICMR's commitment to nurturing scientific temper among India's youth and inspiring the next generation of researchers.