New Delhi: CSIR-IGIB (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology) and KAMP (Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform) achieved a significant milestone during the One Week One Lab celebration. This special event was attended by over 1100 students in grades 5 to 12 who are actively involved in the KAMP program.
As part of the ‘One Week One Lab’ celebration at CSIR-IGIB, an intriguing Scientific Excursion was meticulously organized at the CSIR-IGIB campuses on Mathura Road and Mall Road. Dr. Souvik Maiti, the Director of CSIR-IGIB, warmly welcomed the students and enthusiastically encouraged them to inspire their peers and family members to embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of science by paying a visit to the laboratory.
During the event, Poorti, a Project Scientist at CSIR-IGIB, introduced a state-of-the-art laboratory known as the ‘Ramanujan-Hardy Lab’ at the CSIR-IGIB Mathura Road campus. This laboratory was inaugrated by Aryan Mishra, a young astronomer and the Founder of Spark Astronomy. The primary objective of the Ramanujan-Hardy Lab is to attract and foster non-traditional thinkers and innovators among students in schools.
Throughout their visit, students had the exceptional opportunity to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of a state-of-the-art laboratory and the efficient operation of a wide range of cutting- edge scientific instruments. They were expertly guided through all of the laboratories housed within CSIR-IGIB, including the renowned Zebrafish facility, as well as the sophisticated Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy facilities.
In addition, students had the opportunity to attend a special popular science talk titled “The Plant Perspective,” presented by Dr. P. V. Shivaprasad, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).
The primary aim of this Scientific Excursion was to empower students to explore, participate, encounter, and cultivate a passion for the field of science. Students were presented with live demonstrations and interactive experiences in the lab, igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific exploration. Various hands-on activities and captivating games, quizzes, scavenger hunts, and treasure hunts ensured that the students remained actively engaged and entertained.
Arika Mathur, the Head of Operations and Assessments at KAMP, introduced the KAMP initiative and emphasized its goal of identifying and nurturing students’ skills and talents. She provided an overview of KAMP’s activities, including the National Assessment for Scientific Temperament & Aptitude (NASTA), Knowledge Sharing Sessions, Scientific Excursions, and Continuous Professional Development Programs for teachers.
She also shared details about upcoming Scientific Excursions at ISRO-NRSC, CSIR–IITR, ISRO–VSSC, and CSIR–CSIO.
