DHR-ICMR to Host S.H.I.N.E. School Outreach Programme

The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will host the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers) on 11 and 12 August 2026. The nationwide school outreach programme is planned for students of Classes 9 to 12 and will cover 83 locations across India.

S.H.I.N.E. Programme

S.H.I.N.E. is a school outreach initiative linked to science, health and innovation. The 2026 edition is expected to reach about 30,000 students, which is more than twice the participation recorded in the first edition in 2025. The programme includes students from government, government-aided and private schools.

Participating Institutions and Activities

The outreach activities will be conducted at ICMR institutes, DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs) and affiliated field units. The planned activities include guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, live demonstrations and direct interaction with health scientists. The sessions are free of cost for participating students.

Scientific Outreach and Student Engagement

The programme aligns with the call for school students to “spend one day as a scientist”. It also includes a national-level competition for students of Classes 9 to 12 on solving public health problems under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Such outreach programmes are used in India for exposure to laboratory work, research methods and public health themes.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICMR is India’s apex body for biomedical research and functions under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Model Rural Health Research Units are field-based units associated with health research in rural and semi-rural areas.
• Prof. V. Ramalingaswami served as Director General of the ICMR and was a noted Indian medical scientist.
• Viksit Bharat 2047 is a national vision linked to India’s centenary of independence in 2047.

Legacy and Institutional Context

The 2026 edition commemorates the birth anniversary and legacy of Prof. V. Ramalingaswami. The initiative is part of science outreach by national health research institutions in India.