MAITREI Workshop for Girls conducted by INYAS East Zone and SMST, IIT Kharagpur

INYAS East Zone and School of Medical Science & Technology (SMST), IIT Kharagpur conducted the “MAITREI” Workshop for Girl students on 14th December, 2023. Thirty students from Balarampur Abhoy Ashram Naitalim Vidyapith (H.S), from grades VIII to X, along with three teachers, participated in this event. The acronym “MAITREI,” signifying “Motivating Academic and Intellectual Talent towards Research and Excellence in India,” encapsulated the workshop’s purpose: to inspire young girls to explore the world of science and technology.

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Nishant Chakravorty and Dr. Budhaditya Mukherjee (faculty members of SMST and Members of INYAS). The program featured expert talks by faculty members from School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, providing invaluable insights and experiences. The students were provided with a glimpse of the journey towards becoming a scientists in the field of medical research.

The students were provided with extended visits to different labs of at SMST that offered hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research facilities. All the members of RegMed lab, Infectious Disease and Immunology Lab, Medical Imaging and Theragnostics Lab and Medical Electronics Lab.

The day was concluded with a career guidance session and interactive discussions fostering a collaborative learning environment. The workshop was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation from both participants and teachers, who acknowledged its success in sparking interest and curiosity in science among the attendees. This collaborative initiative successfully addressed the crucial need for increased engagement of girls in science, emphasizing its role in shaping academic and career aspirations. Looking ahead, recommendations include the regular organization of similar workshops to broaden the impact and encourage more girls to pursue careers in science and technology, contributing to diversity and innovation in the scientific community.