The need for exposing undergraduate students to research and providing them with training in research-oriented scientific thought has been felt for quite some time in India. In this article, four generations of Indian scientists come together to discuss the present status of the undergraduate research ecosystem in India, the changes that have taken place over the last few decades, and the road ahead.

Andrea D. Phillott, Professor in Environmental Studies at FLAME University, Pune, Maharashtra, conducts research in the field of marine biology, conservation and education. In this article, she writes about how researchers can effectively engage undergraduate students in research, and how this can benefit both faculty and students.

An important component of fighting the battle against the mental health epidemic is creating accessible forums to raise awareness. Charu Dogra Rawat (Assistant Professor, Ramjas College, University of Delhi) and Sagnik Das (Student, Ramjas College, University of Delhi) write about a two-day workshop in their college which brought to light many of the mental health-related issues that students face, and allowed them to collectively brainstorm solutions on an open platform.

Undergraduate research experience has the potential to suit the needs of learners. A recent study analyses the attitudinal outcomes of college students taking up bench and digital research. Termed Course-based Research Experience or CURE, this pedagogical approach takes the student through a journey of discovery-via-inquiry.

M.M. Chaturvedi, senior faculty at the Delhi University shares his opinion on Draft National Education Policy 2019. He has been involved in the development of Cluster Innovation Centre. He talks about the role that teacher networks could play in contemporary education.