The ICMR-National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Bhubaneswar, hosted the ICMR-SHINE (Science & Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers) Initiative 2026 on Tuesday, bringing together around 400 students from Classes 9 to 12 from schools in Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas. Students get first-hand exposure to biomedical researchThe programme offered students an opportunity to move beyond textbooks and experience biomedical research through laboratory visits, live demonstrations, interactive sessions, exhibitions, films and interactions with scientists. Encouraging students to visit research institutions and interact with scientists, Bahl emphasised the importance of developing a scientific way of thinking. The Communication Unit of ICMR-NIHR Bhubaneswar coordinated the programme and oversaw its planning and execution. The ICMR-SHINE Initiative 2026 at Bhubaneswar marked an effort to deepen scientific engagement among young students by providing direct exposure to laboratories, researchers and innovations in health and biomedical science.