The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Health Research (DHR) launched the second edition of Science and Health Innovation for NextGen Explorers (SHINE) 2026 on 11-12 August 2026. The two-day program is being conducted across 83 locations nationwide, including ICMR institutes, Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs), and affiliated field units, spanning from Keylong in Himachal Pradesh to Kerala in the south, and from Diu in the west to Nagaland in the east.
Approximately 30,000 students from Grades 9 to 12 from both government and private schools are participating in the initiative, which allows them to experience health research first-hand through guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work. Students are interacting directly with ICMR scientists to gain insights into research journeys and everyday work in public health.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of DHR and Director General of ICMR, inaugurated the exhibition showcasing ICMR's research work and innovations, engaging with students through relatable examples and encouraging them to remain curious and think beyond textbooks. The program features Dr. Curio as the official mascot who appears across outreach materials, posters, social media, and as narrator of interactive videos about ICMR's work.
ICMR launched the official SHINE website (shine.icmr.org.in) as a dedicated platform hosting resources, updates, and opportunities for students interested in health research. The organization also announced a nationwide school competition inviting students to frame their own research questions and propose solutions to real-world public health challenges. The initiative aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aims to nurture scientific temper among youth while inspiring the next generation of health researchers.