24 students from different schools selected through a test that was taken by nearly 326 students, spend a week in different labs and research facilities of CCMB

Hyderabad: The 12th edition of the annual Young Innovators Program, which provides an opportunity to students from Classes VIII to X to interact with genetic researchers for nearly a week, concluded at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).

A total of 24 students from different schools were selected through a test that was taken by nearly 326 students and they spent a week in different labs and research facilities of CCMB.

The students were shown how DNA is used to detect genetic diseases, infectious diseases are understood better through the biology of pathogens and how state-of-the art cryo-electron microscope shows details of biomolecules even up to atomic levels, among others.

“This programme was strategically designed for high school students upto Class X because that is the point where they need to make their choice of studying biology,” said Dr Somdatta Karak, head of Science Communication and Public Outreach, CCMB.

Dr Vinay K Nandicoori, director of CCMB, said, “Through this programme, every year, we connect brilliant young people. Only few of them might change their career plans and become scientists. But the real value of the programme is instilling in them the love for finding out more and solving challenges.”