Young Innovators Program (YIP)

Running for 7 years now at CCMB, YIP provides a platform for school students to spend an extended amount of time with scientists here. Of around 200 interested students from schools of Hyderabad as well as nearby districts the top 10% are selected for the 2-week program on the basis of a screening test. During this period, the students interact with young and senior scientists alike. They have deep discussions to understand the motivations that drive scientists, and activities to appreciate the scientific methodology. At the same time, they carry out experiments and build instruments to feel the excitement of doing hands-on science. We now also encourage them to think of science in novel ways such as while writing fiction, and engage with global concerns of climate change and antibiotic resistance through their interactions with ecologists and wildlife biologists, and microbiologists respectively at CCMB.

Over years, parents and teachers of the participants have suggested us starting similar initiatives across the country for different socio-economic backgrounds. The teachers have often mentioned the excitement their students feel in biology after being a part of YIP. They say the program helps change the mindset around studying biology – one from rote memorization to appreciating the beauty of life around them.