Twenty-six high school students from classes 8 to 10 have made history at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. They successfully cloned genes—the first time students this young have done such advanced biotech work.
Gene cloning involves taking DNA from one organism and placing it into another. This technique helps create new medicines, improve crops, and advance science. The students took part in CCMB’s Young Innovators Program (YIP) 2026, held from December 23, 2025, to January 2, 2026. CCMB selected them from Hyderabad, Peddapalli, and Hanamkonda schools after a competitive exam.
Dr. Aditya Undru, the program coordinator, shared the milestone. In earlier years, students only watched lab work. This time, PhD researchers guided them hands-on through the process.
Mrs. Vasudha Ramireddy, a biology teacher from St. Andrews High School in Secunderabad, praised the effort. She noted that even college students rarely get to try these experiments and mostly learn from books.
Dr. Somdatta Karak, who heads science outreach at CCMB, explained the goal. Many people fear biotech because they do not understand it. The center plans workshops for teachers and journalists next. CSIR’s Jigyasa program provided support, using CCMB’s top labs and supplies.
-Rashmi Kumari
