Building Communication, Innovation and Teaching Skills for the Next Generation of Researchers - BHU_Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

With 294 registrations received for the programme, the iRISE Level 1 Capacity Building Workshop at the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, brought together a selected cohort of Early Career Researchers and senior PhD scholars from across disciplines. Held from 7–9 August 2026, the three-day workshop had 105 participants, including 43 female and 62 male participants, selected through a screening process in accordance with BHU’s requirements.

The workshop broadened the idea of research training by bringing together science communication, effective teaching practices, experiential entrepreneurship, grant writing and career pathways in science. Its interactive format combined hands-on activities, group exercises, simulations and conversations with experienced professionals.

The programme opened with an address by Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor, BHU, who reflected on the realities of the PhD journey, the importance of scholarship and scientific publications, and the perseverance required to build a research career. Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Director, Institute of Science, BHU, and Prof. Arun Deo Singh, Dean, Institute of Science, BHU, also attended the inaugural programme.

Participants began their skill-building journey with Ms. Anita Nagarajan, exploring communication through LEGO-based learning, picture prompts and the P.R.E.S.E.N.T. framework before applying these approaches to presentations and the “Walk the Talk” competition.

The pedagogy session led by Dr. Manawa Diwekar-Joshi, Senior Technical Officer, iRISE, IISER Pune, introduced Inquiry-Based Learning, the domains of learning and constructive alignment. Participants developed concept-map-based lesson plans and evaluated each other’s work.

Entrepreneurship was explored through Dr. Milind Choudhari’s immersive startup simulation, where participants worked through product development, market strategy, financial planning, funding and investor considerations. The workshop concluded with Prof. Nagaraj Balasubramanian, IISER Pune, leading an engaging session on careers in science, grant writing, research funding and navigating academic choices.
The workshop closed with reflections, certificate distribution and a continued connection through the iRISE–ECR community.