How is ICMR-NIV Celebrating 74 Years of Scientific Excellence with School Students in Pune?
Synopsis
The ICMR-NIV celebrates 74 years of scientific excellence by engaging school students in Pune through an informative outreach program. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and promote understanding of virology, public health, and the importance of scientific inquiry.
Key Takeaways
ICMR-NIV celebrated its 74th Foundation Day on February 4.
The outreach program engaged 1,180 school students to foster scientific curiosity.
Students learned about key concepts of virology .
Interactive sessions included laboratory tours and demonstrations.
Rajiv Bahl emphasized the importance of industry collaborations.
Pune, Feb 5 (NationPress) The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) marked its 74th Foundation Day by hosting an engaging science outreach program aimed at fostering scientific curiosity among school students, as announced on Thursday.
On February 4, ICMR-NIV scientists conducted a two-phase outreach initiative in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), reaching out to 1,180 students from classes 6 to 12.
They interacted with 1,130 students through visits to three local schools and welcomed an additional 50 students along with their teachers for an immersive campus experience at ICMR–NIV, Pune.
“Students were introduced to essential concepts of virology, including various virus types, insect and bird specimens, and diagnostic kits. Interactive videos, posters, and presentations highlighted ICMR-NIV’s vital contributions to public health. Guided laboratory tours and demonstrations of diagnostic tools and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits ignited scientific curiosity among the young learners,” stated an official message.
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of ICMR-NIV, emphasized the institute’s significant accomplishments, upcoming research projects, and its vision for future research.
He reiterated NIV’s commitment to focusing on basic virology, developing medical countermeasures, and enhancing pandemic preparedness.
Furthermore, Dr. Kumar mentioned that the new zonal NIVs will target outbreak investigations within their designated areas.
In his keynote address, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, discussed “the advancement of vaccines and new medical countermeasures against diseases while highlighting the importance of collaborations between institutions and industry to realize India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Prof. Shekar C. Mande, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), commended ICMR-NIV’s role in combating viral diseases and stressed the necessity for collective efforts to create a healthier and more sustainable future for the upcoming generation.
Last August, the Institute hosted an Open School Day at two campuses in Pune to inspire the next wave of scientists and innovators.
A total of 369 school students, from grades IX to XII, representing 26 different schools in Pune, participated in the event, accompanied by 36 teachers from the involved schools.
Highlighted research areas included vector-borne diseases, respiratory infections, and zoonotic threats.
Point of View
I believe the outreach initiatives by ICMR-NIV highlight the vital role of education in advancing scientific knowledge. Such programs not only empower students but also contribute to the nation's health security. It is essential for institutes to continue fostering collaboration between academia and the community.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of ICMR-NIV's Foundation Day?
ICMR-NIV's Foundation Day celebrates its achievements and contributions to virology and public health, showcasing its commitment to scientific research and education.
How many students participated in the outreach program?
A total of 1,180 students from classes 6 to 12 participated in the outreach program conducted by ICMR-NIV.
What topics did students learn about during the program?
Students learned about virology, various types of viruses, diagnostic kits, and public health contributions through interactive sessions and guided tours.
Who addressed the students during the event?
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research, gave a keynote address emphasizing the importance of vaccine development and institutional collaborations.
What role does ICMR-NIV play in public health?
ICMR-NIV plays a crucial role in researching viral diseases and developing medical countermeasures, contributing significantly to public health initiatives in India.
