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 program on August 11-12, 2026. The initiative 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 at 10,000 feet altitude 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 two-day program. Students are engaging in guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work. The program allows direct interaction with ICMR scientists to provide insights into research journeys, areas of expertise, 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. During his interaction with students, he encouraged them to "be curious, ask questions and never be afraid to wonder why," emphasizing that every discovery begins with a question and every innovation with the courage to explore new possibilities. He promoted science as a career path that can make meaningful differences in people's lives.
The initiative features Dr. Curio as the official mascot of SHINE, 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. Additionally, ICMR announced a nationwide school competition inviting students to frame their own research questions and propose potential solutions to real-world public health challenges.
The program aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aims to make science tangible and accessible to young learners, showing how research addresses community health challenges and encouraging future careers in scientific enquiry. This content may not be financially relevant.