S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers) Initiative

Why in News?

Recently, S.H.I.N.E initiative was organised by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in line with PM call for students to 'spend one day as a scientist'.

• Aim - To introduce students to the field of health and biomedical research.
• To ignite scientific curiosity, foster innovation and inspire the next generation of health researchers.
• It highlights ICMR’s contributions to improving the nation’s health.
• Launched in – 2024.
• Organized by - The Department of Health Research (DHR) and The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Eligibility – School students from 9^th to 12^th grade.

A total of 13,150 students from over 300 schools across 39 districts in 16 states and union territories participated.

• Interactive activities –Guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work.
• The students also had the opportunity to interact with ICMR scientists, gaining insights into their research journeys, areas of expertise, and everyday work in public health.
• Curated shortfilms - Students were shown specially curated short films highlighting key ICMR initiatives such as Covaxin, iDRONE, TB elimination, and pandemic preparedness.
• Mascot for engagement - To make the experience more engaging, a mascot named Dr. Curio was introduced as a friendly and relatable guide for the students throughout the day.
• Outreach – The initiative extends its reach to rural and urban areas, via DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units, ensuring inclusive participation from diverse student backgrounds.

August 8 marked the 104^th birth anniversary of Dr. Vulimiri Ramalingaswami, a distinguished Indian medical scientist, pathologist, medical writer, and Director General of ICMR.

• Significance – Promoting scientific temper and youth engagement in public research.
• Encouraging students to view science as a career path and understand its societal relevance.

Reference

PIB| SHINE Initiative