Does the classroom really prepare students for a research career? An early, hands-on exposure to research intuitively seems a better introduction to real science. Most importantly, it would give students a chance to find out for themselves whether they really have a flair for research. The Phage Hunters Integrating Research and Education (PHIRE) program provides high school and undergraduate students just that. Graham Hatfull talked to IndiaBioscience at length about the program, the challenges it presents and what the future holds...