As part of their recognition for the winners of the SDG Visionaries (Ideathon) and Photography Competition, the IEEE Photonics Society Chandigarh University Student Branch organized an educational outreach trip to one of India’s premier research institutions—the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai. The aim of this initiative was not only to recognize competition winners for their creativity in addressing UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also to provide them with a firsthand experience of groundbreaking scientific advancements and a valuable opportunity to engage with the scientific community at TIFR.
The competition provided a dynamic platform for students to present innovative solutions on sustainability. With remarkable participation, teams showcased groundbreaking ideas to address global challenges. The winning team from the Department of Physics, Chandigarh University, stood out for their creativity, research skills, and problem-solving approach, as well as their active involvement as executive members of the IEEE Photonics Society CUSB. Their efforts secured them the grand prize—an all-expenses-paid trip to Mumbai, offering a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and professional growth.
They were required to present a prototype, a research-backed model, or a compelling pitch demonstrating feasibility, followed by a defense of their ideas before an esteemed panel of judges, including Dr. Sugandha Sharma (Branch Counsellor, IEEE CUSB), Dr. Shivani Singla (Chapter Advisor, IEEE Photonics CUSB), and Dr. Indu Gupta (Faculty Representative, IEEE Photonics CUSB). Evaluations were based on innovation, feasibility, alignment with SDGs, and potential impact. Alongside the Ideathon, a Photography Competition highlighted sustainability through visual storytelling, with winners from the Be-IT and UIE-BE-CSE departments. Their work captured compelling perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, contributing to the event’s success.
A Journey into Scientific Excellence
The reward visit provided participants—a group of 13 students and 2 faculty members—with a comprehensive exploration of some of the most advanced research happening today. The primary objective was to immerse the students in the world of research, where they could observe groundbreaking experimental techniques and interact with leading scientists.
The trip included a guided tour of TIFR’s renowned Photonics Laboratory, as well as access to several other state-of-the-art research facilities. Participants had the opportunity to delve into areas like electron microscopy, spectroscopy setups, and computational research centers. These labs are where real scientific innovations are happening, and the students were able to see firsthand how cutting-edge tools and methodologies are used to explore the mysteries of the universe.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Throughout the visit, participants engaged in interactive discussions with researchers, exploring ongoing research projects in fields like physics, astronomy, and material science. A key highlight was the opportunity to discuss their innovative ideas from an Ideathon competition with TIFR scientists, linking these creative solutions to ongoing scientific developments.
The visit’s impact was immediate, with students expressing a strong desire to pursue research careers. Many participants were especially excited by the possibility of applying their innovative ideas to real-world scientific problems. In fact, some even initiated conversations about potential research collaborations and internships with TIFR researchers, marking the visit as an excellent networking opportunity.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Engagement
The trip wasn’t without its challenges—particularly in managing the travel logistics and ensuring that students stayed engaged throughout the visit. However, these hurdles were overcome with careful planning, and the experience proved to be immensely valuable for all involved. The success of the outreach activity was also evident in the spontaneous enthusiasm and positive feedback from the participants. One particularly inspiring moment occurred when a participant, after seeing a live demonstration of a quantum computing setup, shared, “This experience has completely changed my perspective on research. Seeing these technologies in action has motivated me to pursue a career in scientific innovation.”
Strengthening Academic Ties and Fostering Future Collaboration
The visit to TIFR not only provided immense educational value but also fostered stronger academic ties between Chandigarh University and TIFR. Special interactions with TIFR interns and experts gave the students valuable insights into advanced research areas, further enriching their learning experience. Moreover, the visit emphasized the broader relevance of research in addressing global challenges, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the SDG Visionaries event in driving real-world solutions.
TIFR’s faculty members were equally appreciative of the initiative, highlighting how such visits serve to inspire young minds to contribute to scientific advancements. The trip also gave the students a unique opportunity to interact directly with leading researchers, a chance that many students rarely experience.
Key Strategies for Success
Several factors contributed to the success of this outreach activity, ensuring that the visit was both informative and inspiring for all involved:
- Aligning Rewards with Learning Opportunities: By offering an academic trip as a prize, the chapter ensured that winners received not just recognition, but also valuable exposure to real-world research environments.
- Pre-visit Preparation: To make the most of the visit, participants were thoroughly briefed beforehand, allowing them to engage more effectively with the scientists and understand the significance of the research they were witnessing.
- Interactive Engagements: Rather than being passive observers, the students were encouraged to actively participate in discussions with researchers, relating their ideas from the Ideathon to ongoing research at TIFR.
- Efficient Travel & Accommodation Management: Travel and accommodation expenses were fully covered, and the logistical arrangements were well-coordinated, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: Inspiring Future Generations
This outreach activity not only celebrated the winners of the Ideathon and Photography Competition but also highlighted the importance of research-based learning and hands-on experience in shaping the next generation of innovators. By giving students a real glimpse into the world of high-level scientific research, this initiative is setting the stage for future outreach programs that bridge classroom learning with practical, real-world exposure.
As we reflect on the success of this initiative, experiences like these are invaluable in inspiring students to pursue careers in research, innovation, and science. The IEEE Photonics Society Chandigarh University Student Branch looks forward to continuing this tradition of inspiring and empowering future leaders in the field of photonics and beyond.
“This visit has opened my eyes to the possibilities in scientific research, and I am now more determined than ever to contribute to solving the world’s challenges,” one student said, capturing the essence of the trip’s impact.
Through such initiatives, we continue to encourage the next generation of visionaries to think boldly, innovate fearlessly, and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.
