Tiruchirappalli: The CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), Chennai, organised a one-day science workshop for school and college students at Anna University's BIT Campus in Tiruchirappalli to promote scientific curiosity and encourage research-oriented thinking.

The workshop, titled Jigyasa Ariviyal Thiruvizha - A One-Day Science Workshop 2026, was held at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium on October 22 in collaboration with Ariviyal Sangam Tamil Nadu, its Tiruchirappalli chapter and the Rotaract Club of Anna University.

The event was organised as part of the nationwide Viksit Bharat - Scientific Contribution initiative, aimed at familiarising young people with developments in science and technology.

Dr N Anandavalli, Director of CSIR-SERC, inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest. In her address, she urged students to develop scientific inquiry, critical thinking and an interest in research and innovation.

Dr S Maheswaran, Scientist-G and Head of the SHRDD at CSIR-SERC, highlighted the opportunities offered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to promote scientific learning, research and innovation among various groups, from school students to research scholars.

Prof K Jothi Venkatachalam, Head of the Department of Chemistry at Anna University's BIT Campus; Prof S Saravana Kumar, Joint Secretary of Ariviyal Sangam and Head of Physics at KARE, Krishnankoil; and Dr P Baskaran, President of the Ariviyal Sangam Tiruchirappalli chapter, attended the event.

The workshop was organised under the leadership of Dr V Parthasarathy, President of Ariviyal Sangam Tamil Nadu, along with Dr P Mani and Dr M Rengasamy of Anna University's BIT Campus.

The programme provided a platform for students, academics and scientists to interact and encouraged young participants to contribute to India's scientific and technological progress.