The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Open Day’ at CCMB an enlightening fair

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Saturday, Sep 27, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Open Day’ at CCMB an enlightening fair

Staff Reporter

9,000 students get an opportunity to interact with scientists on avenues open for them

Inside view: A college student peeps into the electronic microscope in the DNA lab of the CCMB on Friday as a part of the ‘Open Day’ celebrations.

HYDERABAD: Some days leave an indelible mark on the minds of many youngsters often motivating them to become someone.

One such day was the “Open Day” held at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), nation’s premier institute. Over 9,000 students from 220 schools in the city, apart from Intermediate and degree colleges entered the world of biological research. And many of them went back hoping to be back here, not as students, but as researchers.

Administrative staff, scientists and Ph.D students acted as ‘guides’ for groups of students, who embarked upon a guided tour through the institute’s lab facilities. Over 50 posters were displayed which simplified science for the students. Posters on varied subjects such as biometrics, immunology, biochemistry and others were a big draw for the students.

CSIR foundation day

Marking the 66th foundation day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the institute remained open all through the day for students of the twin cities. Many students were awestruck and enthralled and were left asking for more. “I have read a lot about an electron microscope but have never seen one until now,” said Sudha Madhavi, an Intermediate student. Others like M. Abhilash, a ninth class student, said that he came to the institute hoping to collect some information on DNA fingerprinting.

And there were a few others like M. Kiranmayi, a biotech engineering student, who were looking for various career options. “This is probably one day when we can find scientists and talk to them on the various avenues open for us,” she said.

Students from various degree colleges such as Avanti, Aurora, Bhavan’s were seen scurrying behind their guides asking them questions on various exhibits. The scholars had a tough time simplifying concepts such as Proteomics, DNA fingerprinting and others with analogies.

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