Aspiring scientists get a leg up at Indian Institute of Science

It’s hard to miss the ‘youthful’ breeze blowing across the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus. A group of aspiring young scientists from across the country is busy taking their first “baby” steps in the world of science and technology in this citadel of learning.

The summer internship programme conducted by various departments attracts a large number of undergraduate students. Ask them why they have chosen IISc, and the answer is: “It’s the reputation of the institute and access to the best laboratories and faculties in the country.”

Sachin Kamath, a student of mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Surathkal, is busy giving wings to his model of a gyrocopter (a hybrid helicopter) at the biomechanics laboratory in the department of aerospace engineering.

Sachin, along with classmates Vikram Roud and Ankit Shukla, said passion for their project brought them to IISc. “We’ve passion for flying and we want to make gyrocopters a popular mode of transportation in the Indian aviation sector. Along with theoretical aspects, we are also getting practical lessons in coming up with a model of gyrocopter,” said Sachin. The trio says only an institute of IISc’s reputation can help them nurture their dreams.

SN Omkar, principal research scientist in the aerospace engineering department, said the IISc internship paves the way to work with foreign universities. “IISc’s internship programme has been the best grooming ground for aspiring scientists. We give them a vast canvas to work on and guide them towards their goals,” said Omkar.

Currently, the department has 50 interns. “These youngsters have a passion for science and research and IISc is the perfect grooming ground,” added Omkar. Most interns are undergraduate engineering students from various NITs and IITs. There’s no fee for the internship programme, which begins in mid-May and goes on for three months. The UGC supports the programme and students are paid a monthly stipend of Rs3,000.

Anshuman Misra, student of electrical engineering from College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, does not mind sacrificing his vacation for an internship. “To be a part of IISc, I can sacrifice anything,” he said.