National Institute of One Health, Nagpur organises ICMR-SHINE 2026 programme to inspire scientific temper among school students

Executive Summary The National Institute of One Health (NIOH), Nagpur, conducted the ICMR-SHINE 2026 programme on August 11–12, 2026, to foster scientific curiosity and innovation among over 1,000 students. The initiative aims to introduce youth to biomedical research as a pillar of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. A key outcome was the launch of a national-level student competition with a submission deadline of September 11, 2026.

Key Points / Main Content

Event Overview and Objectives

• The ICMR-SHINE (Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers) 2026 programme targeted students from Classes IX to XII at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Vayusena Nagar, and Surendragarh Hindi Madhyamik Shala.
• The programme is designed to cultivate scientific temper and encourage students, particularly those from underserved communities, to pursue careers in health research.
• It emphasizes the role of research in disease prevention, pandemic preparedness, diagnostics, and public health.

Educational and Interactive Activities

• Facility Tours: Students participated in a virtual tour of the Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (mBSL-3) Laboratory.
• Practical Demonstrations: Activities included Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) demonstrations and instruction on the SUMAN handwashing technique.
• Engagement: The event featured a health and science quiz, the "One Health" pledge, and direct interactions with ICMR scientists to gain exposure to contemporary research.
• Career Guidance: Expert sessions were held to provide guidance on professional opportunities within the biomedical sciences.

National-Level Student Competition

• The ICMR-SHINE National-Level Student Competition 2026 was officially launched during the event.
• The competition seeks innovative ideas from students to address real-world health challenges.
• Entries are being accepted via the dedicated SHINE portal until the closing date of September 11, 2026.

Impact Analysis

School Students (Classes IX to XII) Impact Students receive first-hand exposure to advanced biomedical research facilities and expert mentorship, helping them bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world health applications. Action Required Students wishing to participate in the national competition must submit their innovative health solutions through the SHINE portal by September 11, 2026.

National Institute of One Health (NIOH) and ICMR Impact These institutions serve as the primary facilitators for nurturing the next generation of researchers, aligning local educational outreach with national strategic goals for 2047. Action Required NIOH and ICMR must continue to manage the SHINE portal and oversee the evaluation of the national-level competition entries.

Educational Institutions (Schools) Impact Schools benefit from specialized scientific resources and expert-led sessions that promote research-oriented mindsets among their student bodies. Action Required School administrations and teachers are encouraged to facilitate student participation in the ICMR-SHINE programme and promote the ongoing national competition.