Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CPMB&B) and the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (COXBIT) jointly organised a school outreach programme on 6 February 2026 at COXBIT as part of the National Science Day 2026 celebrations.
The event aimed to foster scientific awareness and encourage curiosity among school students through engaging academic and creative activities.
The programme witnessed participation from students and teachers representing 16 schools, including CBSE, Matriculation, and government schools, with a total of 390 students taking part in a wide range of scientific and creative competitions.
The initiative provided an excellent platform for young learners to showcase their talents, develop analytical thinking, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for science and innovation.
The event commenced with a warm welcome to participants, highlighting the significance of National Science Day in commemorating the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman and stressing the importance of nurturing scientific temperament among the younger generation.
A series of competitions and interactive sessions were organised throughout the day. The oratorical competition allowed students to demonstrate public speaking skills while presenting scientific ideas with clarity and confidence.
The essay writing competition encouraged participants to articulate their thoughts on contemporary scientific themes, enhancing critical thinking and communication skills. A quiz competition tested students’ knowledge across various scientific disciplines, fostering healthy competition and collaborative learning.
Creative events such as Canvas Painting and Floral Fiesta enabled students to express scientific concepts through artistic mediums. Participants presented innovative visual interpretations of scientific themes, reflecting both creativity and scientific understanding.
The Myth vs Fact competition encouraged students to critically evaluate common misconceptions and distinguish scientific facts from myths, promoting rational thinking and evidence-based reasoning. Another unique activity, Rank Only Memory, challenged participants’ observation and memory skills through engaging tasks designed to sharpen cognitive abilities.
The programme created a lively and interactive learning environment, encouraging students to explore science beyond textbooks. Teachers accompanying the students appreciated the well-structured activities and the opportunity provided for young minds to engage with scientific ideas in a dynamic setting.
The winners of various competitions will be announced during the extended National Science Day 2026 celebrations scheduled on 28 February 2026.
As a continuation of the celebrations, TNAU will host a two-day exhibition, conference, and additional competitions for college students on 27 and 28 February 2026 at its Coimbatore campus.
These upcoming events aim to further promote scientific innovation, research awareness, and interdisciplinary learning among higher education students.
Senthil, Director of CPMB&B & COXBIT, TNAU, highlighted that the outreach initiative aims to promote science education and nurture the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators.
He said the programme successfully demonstrated the relevance of science in everyday life and inspired students to explore new ideas, ask questions, and develop a lifelong interest in scientific discovery.
Finally, students visiting COXBIT were given a guided tour of advanced facilities, including the Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bioprospecting Laboratory, Cold Room, Bioinformatics Laboratory, Technology-Driven Entrepreneurship Unit, and E-YUVA Centre.
The visit provided exposure to modern biotechnology infrastructure and research environments, offering valuable learning opportunities and enhancing students’ interest in scientific research and innovation.
