RuSETUP 2023: Workshop conducted on Molecular Biology Techniques in Rural Areas
In a bid to boost basic scientific knowledge in molecular biology and improve rural education in West Bengal, India, a workshop called “Basic Training on Molecular Biology Techniques for College Teachers in Rural Areas” was successfully held on October 6th and 7th, 2023. This collaborative effort was conducted jointly by School of Medical Science and Technology (SMST) at IIT Kharagpur, in partnership with the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), as part of INYAS’ flagship event, “Rural Science Education Training Utility Program” (RuSETUP).
Dr. Budhaditya Mukherjee and Dr. Nishant Chakravorty, faculty members of SMST and INYAS members, led this endeavor, with support from INYAS East Zone members. The workshop welcomed 14 college teachers from various Paschim Medinipur institutions, including Hijli College, Kharagpur College, Medinipur College, K.D. College of Commerce and General Studies, and Vidyasagar Institute of Health.
The workshop aimed to address the scarcity of access to modern molecular biology knowledge and technologies in rural education. The workshop featured a carefully curated agenda, blending theory with hands-on training to equip participants with practical molecular biology skills. The program included inspiring speeches from Dr. Rajendra Singh Dhaka, INYAS Chair, and Prof. Soumen Das, SMST Chairperson. It also involved engaging lectures and hands-on training sessions led by SMST faculty and student volunteers.
The participants highly valued the workshop, expressing a strong desire for future workshops and opportunities for rural college students to directly participate in such events. Beyond immediate benefits, RuSETUP’s impact extends to enriching science education in rural areas and nurturing interest in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture among young minds, contributing to regional development.
