The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) launched its engaging science outreach initiative, ‘One Day As a Scientist’, which was held from July 21 to 25, 2025, at its campus in Nagpur. Organized under the CSIR Jigyasa project, the programme aims to cultivate scientific curiosity among school students through hands-on experiences and direct interaction with researchers.
Inauguration by Leading Scientists
The event was inaugurated by Dr Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director of CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad. In his keynote address to students from 37 CSIR institutes, Dr Nandicoori shared his research journey and urged students to explore the fundamental concepts of biology—especially in tackling global challenges like antimicrobial resistance.
Dr S. Venkata Mohan, Director of CSIR-NEERI, interacted with the students during the opening session. He encouraged them to immerse themselves in the world of environmental science and engineering, underlining the growing relevance of sustainability and innovation.
Hands-On Learning and Lab Experiences
On the first day alone, 90 students from various regions of Maharashtra and Telangana actively participated in the programme. They conducted a series of scientific experiments, particularly focusing on water and soil analysis, and engaged with scientific principles through interactive demonstrations. In addition to lab work, students explored the institute’s research and development (R&D) facilities, giving them a rare glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications of environmental research.
Celebrating Science Through Exploration
The programme offers more than just exposure—it provides students with:
*Hands-on experiments that enhance conceptual understanding
*Access to modern scientific facilities and instrumentation
*Interaction with domain experts and researchers
*Inspiration to pursue careers in science and engineering
As reported by timesofindia.indiatimes.com, ‘One Day As a Scientist’ is more than just a learning experience. With its immersive and interactive format, it serves as a celebration of science in all its vibrant hues.
