IISER Bhopal has a novel educational programme called Undergraduate Clubs for Research Enthusiasts in Science and Technology (UG-CREST). It is a unique attempt to cultivate scientific attitudes in the early days of a young graduate student.
Envisioned by Prof. Siva Umapathy, Director, IISER Bhopal, UG-CREST stands on three major verticals – Ramanujan Club, DUDE club and 360-degree club. The clubs aim to nurture the research capabilities of undergraduates students at the institute from early years and actively engage students intellectually in addition to regular course work.
Elaborating about the UG-CREST, Prof. Siva Umapathy, Director, IISER Bhopal, said, “Ramanujan Club, DUDE (Desk for Universal Design) Club and 360-degree Club were launched to encourage students to research work. Students will be encouraged to join any one of the three clubs during their first year of the academic programme.”
Further, Prof. Siva Umapathy added, “Initial orientation and regular discussion sessions by faculty members and students will be organized to work towards the programme. Such mentoring of students at the personal level by faculty members in the initial years will result in positive engagement of students in the right direction. During their third year in the programme, students will join particular department clubs as per their inclinations.
UG-CREST is a rare attempt to install scientific values in the early days of a young graduate student.