Bengaluru, May 21, 2026: In an effort to promote innovation and nurture young scientific talent, Prayoga Institute of Education Research, a Bengaluru-based institute recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, has commenced the 2026 cohort of Anveshana, its flagship science research programme for students in Grades 9–12. The programme brings together 57 students selected from over 850 applications received from across the country, reflecting its growing national reach and relevance.
The beginning of this year’s cohort follows national recognition in Mann Ki Baat, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Prayoga’s efforts in promoting research-led learning at the school level. He noted that such initiatives enable students to engage more deeply with science through hands-on practice, fostering curiosity and confidence.
The 2026 edition features 19 research projects across six domains: Green Chemistry, Advanced and Functional Materials, Food & Agriculture, Earth Sciences, Wellness, and a newly introduced theoretical research track. The inclusion of the theoretical track expands the programme’s scope, allowing students to engage with computational and analytical approaches alongside experimental research. Projects under the theoretical track include computational studies on nanoparticle interactions, drug–protein binding mechanisms, air pollution forecasting using statistical and machine learning methods, and network-based modelling of real-world systems.
Further strengthening its research ecosystem, Prayoga has also introduced two new pathways this year. The yearlong research track (April 2026–March 2027) offers highly motivated students an extended, immersive experience with continued mentorship and on-campus engagement. In addition, the student-initiated project category enables students to propose original ideas, present preliminary work, and collaborate with mentors to refine their research.
Launched in 2021, Anveshana has evolved into a platform that bridges school education and scientific research. Built on the principle of research as a pedagogy, the programme provides students with mentorship from scientists, access to laboratory infrastructure, and opportunities to work on real-world scientific challenges. Since its inception, it has completed 37 projects involving 113 students, resulting in 11 international peer-reviewed journal publications, with several more in progress, including associations with institutions such as Harvard University and Oxford University Press.
A recent highlight includes the achievement of four students - Kirat Kaur, Yamini, Reshma JV, and Lakshmi G, from rural and tribal communities, some of them first-generation learners. Through Anveshana’s structured research immersion, they developed an eco-friendly, low-cost method using plant extracts for the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and demonstrated its application in water purification through photocatalytic dye degradation. Their research was published in Sustainable Chemistry One World (Elsevier), a Scopus-indexed international journal, marking a significant milestone for school-level research. The students were felicitated by the Karnataka State Science and Technology Department at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium under the theme Women in Science Catalysing Viksit Bharat, recognising their contribution to sustainable scientific innovation. The achievement also received appreciation from the Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, among other leaders.
“Being a first-generation learner, when I first entered the lab, everything felt new and intimidating- the instruments, the terminology, and the responsibility of real research. Through Anveshana, and with consistent guidance from our mentors, I gradually began to understand the process and trust my own thinking. Seeing our work recognised at this level feels incredibly special. This experience has shown me that students from tribal backgrounds can pursue science and contribute meaningfully to research when given the right opportunities and support,” said Ms. Reshma J V, a Grade 11 student from Viveka Tribal Centre for Learning, Hosahalli, H D Kote, Nagarahole Forest Region.
Another study that emerged through the Anveshana programme in the past, explored an innovative approach to textile wastewater treatment by combining bacterial treatment with photocatalysis. Conducted by S. Pushpavathi, S. Ranjani, S.A. Basapur, A.T. Rodrigues and V.K. Bayineni, and published in the American Journal of Student Research in 2024, the study found that while bacterial treatment and zinc oxide nanoparticles showed moderate results individually, combining the two significantly improved dye degradation efficiency to over 80%. The research highlights the promise of integrating biological and nanotechnology-based methods for sustainable and effective wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.
