Young students in India are getting an opportunity to explore space through the Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), or Young Scientist Programme. The special initiative, organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has a goal to teach young Indian students, particularly in rural areas, about space technology, space science, and space applications. 

“The programme is aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation,”  ISRO stated on its website. “ISRO has chalked out this programme to ‘Catch them young.’ The programme is also expected to encourage more students to pursue in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research /career.”

The 2022 residential programme will take place 16-28 May during the summer holidays. It will include invited talks, experience sharing from prominent scientists, experimental demonstration, lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts, and practical and feedback sessions. Up to 150 students from Class 9 will be chosen from schools located within the territory of India. 

Registration ends April 10 at 4 pm. For more about the programme, including selection criteria and steps to register, click here.