Dibrugarh: Scientific curiosity came alive for 1,862 govt school students as they explored biomedical science and public health research firsthand.The ICMR-National Institute of Health Research (ICMR-NIHR), Dibrugarh, and seven Model Rural Health Research Units across the northeast organised ICMR-SHINE 2026 — Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers — on Aug 11 and 12. Students from Classes IX to XII participated in the event.ICMR-NIHR Dibrugarh director Dr Suman Kanungo inaugurated the Dibrugarh leg of the nationwide initiative, urging students to remain curious and consider careers in science and public health research.The programme featured laboratory visits, demonstrations of scientific instruments and diagnostic techniques, exhibitions, quizzes and interactions with researchers studying tuberculosis, cancer, parasitic and vector-borne diseases, molecular biology, epidemiology and emerging infections.The ICMR-SHINE national competition portal was also launched. Students can submit two-page concept notes proposing solutions to public health problems through their school nodal persons by Sept 11. A jury will select 100 winners, who will each receive Rs 1,000 and a certificate. Results will be announced at the DHR-ICMR Summit in Nov.For many rural and semi-urban students, it was their first visit to a research institute. Teachers sought more such programmes, while organisers said the initiative aimed to nurture scientific temper and community-focused innovation.
