The 5-day workshop being conducted by iRISE in collaboration with SCERT Patna is designed to align with the 50-hour Continuous Professional Development (CPD) model as prescribed by NCERT. CPD represents a structured approach to teachers’ lifelong learning, ensuring that they consistently upgrade their knowledge, skills, and pedagogical practices. The 50-hour CPD framework is intended to provide teachers with meaningful, research-based, and practice-orientated professional growth opportunities that directly impact classroom learning outcomes.

Through its workshops, iRISE ensures that teachers engage in interactive, experiential learning that connects theory with classroom practice while encouraging collaboration and peer learning. CPD is important as it empowers educators to reimagine the teaching-learning process, make informed pedagogical choices, and foster a student-centric environment. By embedding CPD into professional culture, iRISE envisions empowered teachers who can transform classrooms into spaces of inquiry, creativity, and holistic growth, thereby aligning professional learning with national education goals.

The Phase III Cascade Workshop of the iRISE program is essentially a district-level workshop where iRISE Innovation Champions serve as the primary point of contact between the workshop and other district-level teachers. The workshop is designed with a range of activities and sessions aimed at enhancing both content knowledge and pedagogical skills. Below are the key components of the workshop:

• Pedagogical Strategies through subject session: Innovative teaching strategies were emphasized to actively engage learners in the teaching-learning process. Methodologies such as Differentiated Instruction, Inquiry-Based Learning, and Collaborative Learning were introduced. A strong focus was placed on aligning these strategies with learning objectives to ensure optimal student outcomes.
• 7i Model, Innovation and Critical Thinking Session: The sessions explored the concepts of convergent and divergent thinking, highlighting their importance in generating innovative ideas and promoting "thinking outside the box" through interactive activities. The 7i Model of Innovation was introduced, covering key elements such as: Identification (recognizing opportunities or challenges), Interaction (collaborating and exchanging ideas) and Impact (achieving meaningful outcomes). This structured framework helped participants understand how creative processes can be translated into practical and impactful solutions.
• INSPIRE MANAK Award Awareness: The INSPIRE MANAK Award (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) is a Government of India initiative aimed at nurturing a culture of scientific innovation among students. Managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), the program encourages students to propose original ideas and develop solutions to real-world societal challenges.

iRISE Capacity Building Workshop – Level 2 | September 16–26, 2025 | IISER Pune

The Level 2 Capacity Building Workshop is a 10-day residential programme designed for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) who have successfully completed the Level 1 workshop. Hosted at IISER Pune, this advanced workshop will bring together 60 selected participants from universities across India, offering them a platform to deepen their professional readiness and broaden their career perspectives.

Building on the foundations of Level 1, the Level 2 program focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry, enabling participants to align their skills with emerging opportunities in the STEM ecosystem. Through a series of interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and expert interactions, participants will explore themes such as:

• Career Planning – Mapping long-term career strategies.
   
• Communication Skills – Enhancing CV writing, oral, written, and presentation skills.
   
• Systematic Problem Solving and Innovation – Developing creative and analytical approaches.
   
• Project and Product Management – Strengthening planning and execution capabilities.
   
• Business and Industry Fundamentals – Understanding professional environments and industry needs.
   
• Effective Teaching Methodologies – Applying innovative pedagogy for impactful teaching.
   
• Entrepreneurship – Cultivating entrepreneurial thinking and business modeling.
   

The workshop’s objective is to equip PhDs with practical skills, professional insights, and industry exposure that complement their academic training. By engaging with leaders from academia, research, and industry, participants will gain valuable perspectives on recruitment processes, skill development, and career preparation—empowering them to navigate their career journeys with confidence and clarity.