Srinagar: The Department of Bioresources,University of Kashmir, under the leadership of Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, successfully hosted a 5-day DST-INSPIRE Internship Science Camp from August 27th to 31st, 2024. This event aligned with the university’s mission to extend educational and societal outreach in accordance with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, the camp provided a unique platform for students from across the Kashmir valley to engage with prominent figures in the scientific community.
Held at the University of Kashmir, the science camp brought together Bhatnagar Awardees, national-level mentors, scientists, experts, and peers across disciplines such as Life and Health Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth Sciences from various well reputed Universities and research institutes of India. The camp aimed to inspire young minds by offering direct interaction with global experts in science, encouraging critical thinking and creativity in scientific problem-solving.
The event commenced with an inaugural session at the historic Gandhi Bhawan within the University of Kashmir, marking the beginning of an enriching and intellectually stimulating experience for all participants. Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, as the organizing secretary and Head of the Department of Bioresources, delivered a welcoming address, acknowledging the presence of distinguished guests, including the Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar University of Kashmir, Prof. Mohd Sultan Bhat, Dean Research University of Kashmir, who served as the Chief Guest.
A notable highlight of the camp was the unveiling of the Breast Cancer Awareness Website, led by Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, in preparation for the upcoming International J&K Breast Cancer Awareness Conference scheduled for October 2024. This initiative, accompanied by the launch of a book authored by Dr. Mir, aimed to raise awareness and provide crucial information on breast cancer, reflecting the department’s commitment to public health education and research advancement.
The camp was enriched with various educational excursions that provided students with first-hand exposure to scientific resources and research environments. On the first day, students were taken to the Botanical Garden and Zoological Museum of the University of Kashmir, where they explored the rich biodiversity and scientific collections, gaining insights into biological sciences. On the second day, the students visited the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, where they interacted with engineering professionals and observed the applications of technology in scientific research. On the third day, the participants were taken to CSIR-IIIM Srinagar, where they were introduced to state-of-the-art research in chemical and biological sciences. On the fourth day, students toured various laboratories of the University of Kashmir, with a special focus on the Department of Chemistry and Physics, where they witnessed advanced experiments and ongoing research projects.
On the fifth day, the camp began with a technical session and hands-on training in the Department of Geography, led by Dr. Akhtar Alam, Dr. Hakeem Fayaz, and Dr. Waseem Naiko. This session provided students with practical exposure and skill development in scientific research methodologies. Following this, a special talk was delivered by Dr. Javed N. Agrewala on the topic “Vaccination as a Public Health Strategy: Success Stories and Future Challenges.” His engaging presentation on the role of vaccines in public health and the challenges ahead offered valuable insights into current advancements and future directions in medical science, further enhancing the academic rigor of the camp.These carefully curated experiences provided students with a broad perspective on scientific research and innovation, reinforcing the camp’s objective of inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science and technology.
Dr. Mir underscored the importance of the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp in nurturing innovation among top-performing 11th and 12th-grade students from Jammu & Kashmir. He highlighted the DST INSPIRE program’s role in fostering scientific inquiry and encouraging students to tackle societal challenges in areas such as science, health, and agriculture. Throughout the camp, students engaged in lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities designed to broaden their scientific horizons and inspire future careers in research and innovation.
Additionally, a brainstorming session was held during the camp, featuring a panel of eminent scientists and mentors who engaged with the students in dynamic discussions on various scientific topics.
This interactive session provided students with the opportunity to gain insights into the latest research trends and innovations directly from leading experts, further enhancing their learning experience. The valedictory event concluded with a successful distribution of certificates to participants, marking the culmination of a week filled with learning and inspiration. Honorable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, highlighting the profound impact of the camp in shaping the scientific aspirations of young students in the Kashmir Valley. Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors for their valuable contributions to the success of the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp.
The success of the camp was also greatly supported by the proactive faculty of the Department of Bioresources, including Dr. Reaiz ul Rehman, Sheikh Tajamul Islam, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Wani, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone, Dr. Peer Abdul Haseeb Shah, and Dr. Kaiser Sidiq, whose dedication and involvement were pivotal to the smooth conduct of the event. Furthermore, the contributions of the Department’s Scholars and Researchers, their active participation ensured a welcoming and supportive environment, making the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp a memorable and enriching experience for all attendees
