Other links:
Other links:
Explore Cutting Edge Research and Future Forward Perspectives
The Young Scholars Programme – Innovators in Science & Tech (IST) is a two-week certified residential programme for students entering grades 9 to 12. Designed to ignite scientific curiosity and prepare future pioneers, the programme emphasizes interdisciplinarity, cutting-edge research, and innovation to equip students for the evolving landscape of 21st-century sciences.
What You Will Explore-
A Journey into the Future of Sciences
YSP IST delves into emerging fields such as environmental chemistry, neuroscience, archaeology and biology, physiology, genetic engineering and epidemiology, bioinformatics, quantum computing, astrophysics, medicinal and forensic chemistry, and so on. Students participate in research showcases, lab sessions, and innovation modules, gaining hands-on experience in solving real-world problems while thinking like scientists.
The programme has been shaped by industry-leading experts and world-class faculty who have inspired young minds in previous editions. Professor Anurag Agrawal led a session on Digital Transformation for Health: AI and Beyond, exploring the future of AI in medicine. Professor Simi Ghosh has introduced students to the complexities of human behavior through her talk on Behavioral Genetics, while Professor Dipankar Bhattacharya has taken students on a cosmic journey with his session on The Universe: An Evolving Story. In the past, YSP students have interacted with leading scholars and scientists such as Prof Jack Szostak (a Nobel prize winner in Medicine) and Prof Yamuna Krishnan from University of Chicago and have learnt about the nuances of innovation and research in the sciences. This two-week experience offers students a unique chance to experience science beyond textbooks, through a rigorous and interactive curriculum that unfolds across the full duration of the programme.
Learning Science in the Tech and Information Era
In today’s tech-driven world, learning science is about mastering not just information but innovation. At YSP IST, students navigate this dynamic landscape by exploring fields like:
This programme empowers students to go beyond passive learning, solving real-world problems and collaborating with experts to bring their ideas to life.
Interdisciplinary Science for a Changing World
The 21st century demands scientific thinkers who can transcend traditional boundaries. YSP IST prepares ambitious and interested high schoolers for the future of sciences and for the 21st century. With the rise of big data & computational tools, the face of science is constantly changing. Today, science is about using critical thinking and design thinking skills to build solutions that are sustainable and scalable and to be at the forefront of innovation and new discoveries.
The programme sessions will exemplify how solving the world’s most pressing scientific challenges—such as climate change, health innovation, sustainable energy, and ethical AI—requires transcending conventional academic boundaries.
For instance, tackling cancer involves integrating nanotechnology, which delivers precision-targeted drugs; CRISPR gene editing, offering personalised therapies by correcting genetic mutations; optogenetics, controlling cells with light for precise treatments; and biophysics, revealing how cancer cells spread and how to stop them. YSP IST encourages students to explore intersections like these through hands-on projects and labs, applying innovative concepts to real-world problems.
Igniting a Lifelong Passion for Science
YSP IST fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation, encouraging students to view science as a process of discovery and problem-solving.
Hands-On Learning in State-of-the-Art Labs
At YSP IST, science comes alive through exploration and experimentation. Students might:
Working in small, collaborative groups, students conduct experiments, analyze results, and present their findings to peers and mentors, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship
Through Innovation Modules, students design solutions to pressing global challenges, guided by Ashoka’s expert faculty and industry mentors. These sessions blend scientific inquiry with entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students to lead in STEM fields.
A Holistic College Experience
Beyond academics, YSP IST offers a glimpse into student life at Ashoka University. Students reside in dormitories, enjoy diverse dining options, and participate in activities like Talent Night, Networking Night, and debates. They connect with like-minded peers from across India and the globe, forging lasting friendships and expanding their horizons.
Applications for YSP 2025 have officially closed.
Knowledge:
-Gain a deep understanding of foundational concepts across disciplines, integrating biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and social sciences.
-Recognize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing scientific discovery and addressing complex global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
-Develop expertise in the scientific method, experimental design, and hypothesis testing with an emphasis on incorporating insights from diverse fields.
-Understand how emerging technologies (AI, CRISPR, quantum computing) intersect with ethical, societal, and environmental considerations in solving real-world problems.
Skills:
-Develop the ability to apply the scientific method to design experiments, conduct analyses, and draw meaningful conclusions.
-Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through analysis of complex systems
-Gain practical skills in laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, chemical analysis, and environmental data collection.
-Enhance communication skills by effectively conveying complex scientific ideas through writing, speaking, and visual presentations.
-Build collaborative skills by working with peers.
Attitude:
-Developing a strong sense of identity and belonging within the world of science and research.
-Foster a lifelong passion for science and a curiosity-driven approach to learning and exploration
-Develop a responsible and ethical mindset towards scientific research.
-Embrace and appreciate the value of an interdisciplinary perspective in solving scientific problems and addressing global challenges.
Applications:
-Apply scientific knowledge to develop solutions for real-world challenges, particularly in areas like sustainability, healthcare, and technology.
-Utilize an interdisciplinary approach to innovate and solve complex global problems.
-Engage with ethical considerations in scientific research, making informed decisions that balance innovation with societal impact.
-Prepare for future academic and career pathways.
The YSP IST curriculum provides students with a novel way of looking at various scientific disciplines, highlighting the power of an interdisciplinary approach to science, while encouraging active student participation in break out discussion sessions, lab rotations and practical applications of their learning in state-of-the-art lab & research facilities. In a session on Astrophysics, students get to explore how the elements that make up everything around us—such as carbon, oxygen, and iron—were forged in the hearts of stars and spread across space by cataclysmic events. In the same fashion, students will learn chemical pathways that convert food into energy, and how biological systems rely on these reactions to power essential functions. They will also explore how genetic information flows from DNA to RNA and, finally, to proteins, uncovering the molecular basis of traits, health, and diseases.
A typical day at YSP IST starts with exploring the frontiers of science, across disciplines, through Faculty Lectures & Plenary Talks by Ashoka’s Sciences faculty, recognized globally for their pioneering work in their fields of study. Students then get to put theory to practice, in interactive break-out discussions & lab rotations at our state-of-art lab facilities. The second half of the day provides opportunities for students to further widen their horizons through engaging interactions with Industry leaders, academicians and counselors. The day winds down with fun & recreational activities including sports and the performing arts.
A schedule for YSP IST is given below*
YSP IST Programme Schedule1) What is The Young Scholars Programme: Innovators in Science and Tech (YSP IST)?
The Young Scholars Programme: Innovators in Science and Tech (YSP IST) is a two-week, certified residential programme designed for students entering grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 who are passionate about scientific exploration. It follows an interdisciplinary approach to cutting-edge research and future-forward topics across the Sciences with hands-on learning and experimentation modules. The programme is spread across 2 weeks to build on fundamentals and deep dive into applications. Students can stay on Ashoka campus during the weekend between the 2 weeks and attend insightful workshops, fun activities, documentary screening and sports sessions.
This research-led, interdisciplinary programme introduces key principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and computational sciences, while highlighting the connections between these fields. With a focus on cutting-edge research and future-forward perspectives, the programme offers hands-on learning and experimentation, providing high-schoolers with a comprehensive and experiential understanding of the sciences.
2) Is YSP IST, an online or offline event?
YSP IST is a two-week programme to be held in person at Ashoka Campus.
3) What is liberal arts and sciences education?
Liberal Arts & Sciences education celebrates discussion and debate in the classroom. A Liberal Arts & Science education focuses on providing critical thinking skills and multiple perspectives to students, which is considered an essential part of leading an ethical and purposeful life. Essentially, it incorporates breadth and depth across multiple disciplines.
4) Do we get a certificate for attending The Young Scholars Programme?
Yes, students will be given a certificate on successful completion of the programme, provided all sessions are attended and there has been desirable participation by the student. Upon receipt of your certificate, please save it securely for your use later on. However, if you happen to lose it, a second copy of the certificate will be provided which will be chargeable for a sum of Rs. 500/-
5) Will attending the programme increase my chances of getting admission to the undergraduate programme at Ashoka University?
Attending the programme will give you an insight on liberal arts & sciences education and the Ashoka pedagogy. This will surely help you with your undergraduate application form at Ashoka University. However, this does not guarantee admission to the Ashoka UG programme.
Listening to the diverse research conducted across various fields of science, including neuroscience, was absolutely fascinating. The session was perfect!
There’s so much happening around us constantly, and I never realised just how much chemistry is involved in it all until this wonderful session. It helped me see that, yes, chemistry truly is my cup of tea, and I’m now considering a potential career in the field.
