: Mumbai, August 13, 2025

As part of the ICMR-S.H.I.N.E. initiative (Science and Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers), which is a national level outreach program to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) organized an Open School Day at both of their campuses at Dr. Ambedkar Road and Pashan in Pune on August 8, 2025. 369 school students, studying in standards IX to XII, from 26 different schools in Pune attended the session. They were accompanied 36 teachers coming from the participating schools.

The active participation from Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) further enriched the initiative. The audience of high school students and their teachers were virtually addressed by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and DG-ICMR. Dr. Bahl highlighted the clarion call of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for all school students to spend one day in a year as a scientist in a research institution. Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director ICMR-NIV, enlightened the participants regarding viruses and the importance of research in the field of virology.

Key research themes showcased included vector-borne diseases, respiratory infections and zoonotic threats. The session included poster exhibitions on viral infections, insightful videos on contributions to tackling public health challenges, live demonstrations of entomological specimens, and use of protective gear, and a unique opportunity to interact with ICMR-NIV scientists.

The participating students were given ICMR-S.H.I.N.E. branded caps and participation certificates. Such a session was also conducted at the ICMR-NIV field unit in Alappuzha, Kerala, where 100 students from 10 schools participated in the initiative.

ICMR- National Institute of Virology (NIV), is a premier national research organization under the aegis of Department of Health Research, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The institute has contributed in early detection of high consequence pathogens such as Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Nipah virus and Zika virus in the country and containment of the outbreaks. The institute takes pride in its contribution towards development of viral vaccines against Kyasanur Forest Disease virus, Japanese Encephalitis and SARS-CoV-2 viruses and transfer of technology for public use. The institute serves as the resource centre for virus research and diagnostic laboratories (VRDL) network of department of Health research, Government of India. The research activities of the Institute are coordinated by a Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) consisting of eminent scientists.

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SriyankaChatterjee/DineshYadav

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