Lodha Foundation and IISER Pune Partner to Nurture Scientific Talent Among School Students
Lodha Foundation has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune to launch a multi-year program dedicated to nurturing India’s brightest young scientific minds. Under the banner of the Lodha Genius initiative, the program targets high-potential students from grades 6 to 12, aiming to stimulate scientific excellence, research aptitude, and holistic development in these gifted individuals. Fully funded by the Lodha Foundation, this initiative kicks off with the establishment of “science circles,” weekend programs where selected students engage in scientific inquiry and critical thinking exercises at the IISER Pune campus.
In the program’s second year, the top 50 students will participate in faculty-guided research projects, attend national and international scientific conferences, and work on developing original research initiatives. Furthermore, residential summer and winter programs lasting 2-4 weeks will be available for selected students nationwide, offering interdisciplinary STEM courses and hands-on learning experiences. The program’s first year is focused on admitting students from grades 6 to 9, with plans to expand in subsequent years.
Abhishek Lodha, Trustee of Lodha Foundation, emphasised the foundation’s dedication to identifying and nurturing gifted individuals who embody the spirit of social contribution and excellence. He sees this collaboration with IISER Pune as a major step toward realising India’s vision of being a global scientific and technological leader by 2047. The partnership combines IISER Pune’s commitment to rigorous science education and societal contribution with Lodha Foundation’s goal of supporting genius-level talent across the country.
Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director of IISER Pune, stated that this program aims to foster curiosity, creativity, and responsibility in the next generation of scientists and innovators. IISER Pune’s approach focuses not just on knowledge acquisition but on nurturing young minds to contribute meaningfully to society. Additionally, Prof. Arnab Mukherjee, Dean of International Relations and Outreach at IISER Pune, highlighted that this collaboration expands IISER’s outreach in science education and helps create socially conscious scientists who can bridge gaps between science and society.
Overall, this fully funded Lodha Genius – IISER Pune program promises to provide more than 1,000 talented students across India with mentorship, research exposure, and character-building opportunities, ensuring that no gifted child is left behind in the journey toward scientific and societal advancement.
