CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, organised a Pre-Fest Event of India International Science Festival (IISF 2023) with great enthusiasm, hosting a group of 100 students and 4 faculty members from Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur (UP). Under the aegis of Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal, a Student-Scientist Connect Programme was organised. The event, held on 6 December 2023 aimed to inspire and motivate young minds to pursue careers in science, specifically focusing on the exciting field of Drug Discovery and Research.

Jigyasa nodal officer at CSIR-CDRI, Dr Sanjeev Yadav, welcoming the students, provided valuable insights about the various programmes being organised in IISF 2023 and their significance in the journey of science. He emphasised that IISF was initiated under the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister with the theme ‘Science for Society’, IISF’s primary objective is to commemorate India's achievements in Science and Technology, making the world of science accessible to all.

During his interaction with students and faculty, he also shed light on the remarkable work undertaken by CSIR-CDRI in drug discovery and development. He highlighted the institute's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its role in contributing to the greater scientific community.

The students were then given the opportunity to explore the laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in various scientific divisions. In the Botany division, Dr DK Mishra provided a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants, showcasing CDRI's ongoing research. The students were introduced to the herbarium, enhancing their understanding of the diverse plant species under study.

Moving to the Medicinal and Process Chemistry department, Dr Richa Pandey and Er Ranvir Singh elucidated the process of extracting molecules from natural products. They also explained the scientific validation methods employed to confirm the efficacy of these molecules in drug development.

A visit to the Laboratory Animal Facility proved to be an insightful experience, as Dr Hansda and his team demonstrated various animal models and explained their crucial role in drug development. The students gained a deeper understanding of the ethical and scientific considerations of using animal models for research purposes.