KOCHI:
Cochin University of Science and Technology will be the knowledge partner of Vigyan Jyothi program implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), to encourage meritorious girls to pursue education and career in underrepresented area of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in top institutions.
The University has received an official invitation from the Department of Science and Technology. The best research and higher education institutions including CUSAT have been selected to collaborate with the Vigyan Jyoti program. Vice Chancellor said that it is a great honour for CUSAT to be a part of the Vigyan Jyothi program.
The program aims to increase the presence of girls in the branches STEM where the presence of girls is relatively low. Currently, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in 100 districts of the country are conducting the program for girls from Class IX to Class XII. Meritorious 100 girls selected from institutions like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Centrally funded/ Government Schools and Government Schools will be part of the year-long program.
The program includes interactions with women role models, participation in science camps, and visits to knowledge partner, lectures/tutorials, career counselling and workshops. The main objective of the program is to educate girl students about higher education and career opportunities through interactions with the research and higher education institutions. Dr. Abhilash S., Associate Professor, Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Hon. Director, Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research of the University is nominated as the Nodal Officer for the programme.