This initiative, funded by the 2nd IOG grant and the 3rd IOG extension grant, was led by Neha Jain as the lead applicant, with Shaheen Hasan and Harshita Agarwal as co-applicants.

Their paper, titled “Fostering science awareness through outreach workshops: bridging the gap between science and society,” was published in he Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education

Over a span of two years, this all-women team conducted 23 interactive, hands-on workshops across five districts in Rajasthan, engaging more than 800 school students and undergraduate biology learners. The workshops aimed to build awareness about the invisible microbial world, promote good hygiene practices, and spark critical conversations around antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing public health threat in India and globally.

What made the initiative stand out was its focus on frugal science, using low-cost, accessible tools and materials to communicate complex scientific concepts in ways that are understandable and engaging for students from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

By combining practical demonstrations with real-world relevance, the team not only brought microbiology to life but also empowered students to think critically about issues like antibiotic misuse and the spread of AMR. The initiative is a strong example of how targeted science communication and education can create meaningful community impact and inspire the next generation of scientists and informed citizens.