Highlights:
Video document of the event,
A first-of-its-kind overview of ‘Science in Karnataka’ in Kannada and
An overview of IBAB and CHG in Kannada

Introduction

Karnataka has a rich and evolving history of scientific developments and science communication. Several government initiatives have significantly contributed to scientific advancements within the state and beyond, and also helped establish Bengaluru as a globally renowned hub of major scientific institutions. At the same time, there is a persistent scope to further improve scientific capacities within the state. Now, as part of the silver jubilee celebrations at IBAB, the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) and the Centre for Human Genetics (CHG) are organizing a day-long program on the Karnataka Rajyotsava (November 1, 2025) to conduct organized discussions on a core aspect of scientific development—science education in the state, particularly in the Kannada language.


The program provided a timely opportunity for representatives from various fields, including scientists, academic leaders, potential employers, teachers, and students, to convene and discuss the issues and challenges faced by students, educators, and policymakers. Participants explored possible strategies for enhancing the state’s scientific ecosystem. The event was structured with two comprehensive rounds of panel discussions, supplemented by extensive open discussion sessions among over 60 participants from different parts of the state. All discussions were held in the Kannada language.

Key Challenges Identified

Systemic barriers
• Heavy syllabus loads for school teachers
• Administrative duties restricting teaching time
• Insufficient lab infrastructure in many schools
• High cost of science education compared to arts/commerce

Language-related issues
• A disruptive shift from Kannada-medium schooling to English-medium PUC
• Students’ fear of scientific terminology
• Lack of Kannada-based scientific materials and multimedia resources

Motivational gaps
• Students pressured toward engineering/medicine
• Low awareness of scientific careers
• Limited exposure to “real science” and scientists

Teacher training limitations
• Occasional, non-uniform training programmes
• Lack of sabbatical-type freedom for teachers
• Minimal opportunities to learn from research institutions

3. Strengths and Positive Practices

• Enthusiastic participation from teachers across Karnataka
• Effective teaching practices: models, stories, demonstrations, analogies
• Schools showing willingness for partnerships with IBAB/CHG
• NGOs actively promoting science in Kannada
• Students expressing clear, constructive suggestions

4. Major Recommendations

  1. Improve conceptual learning with experiments, observation-based activities, and models.
  2. Use bilingual approaches: Kannada for explanation, English for scientific terms.
  3. Create structured science clubs, fairs, and district-level workshops.
  4. Develop Kannada scientific content, including animations, videos, and booklets.
  5. Strengthen teacher training, with reduced duty load during training periods.
  6. Encourage student-led enquiry (mini-projects, nature observations, coding clubs).
  7. Highlight Karnataka scientists to build identity and inspiration.
  8. Offer strong career counselling for students pursuing STEM.

5. Conclusion

The event demonstrated a statewide appetite for revamping science education and grounding it in Kannada-based communication. Participants across levels—students, teachers, and scientists—expressed strong willingness to collaborate further.

The organisers emphasised that this is only a beginning, with plans for:
• Follow-up workshops
• Creation of bilingual teaching materials
• Expansion to more districts
• Annual science-in-Kannada forums

The event’s success was largely due to committed volunteer participation and the diversity of voices represented.

We look forward to follow up programs and actions. Please email suggestions to kshitishATibabDOTacDOTin (kshitish@ibab.ac.in).

Appendix (see below the photographs):

  1. Panel members
  2. List of participants

List of panel members
 Mr. Kollegala Sharma (Science Communicator, Kutoohali Kannada, Mysuru)
 Dr. Namrata Gundiah (Scientist, IISc, Bengaluru)
 Dr. Vijayakumar Krishnamurthy (Scientist, ICTS, Bengaluru)
 Dr. Ravi Muddashetty (Scientist, IISc, Brain Res Center, Instem, Bengaluru)
 Mr. Srinidhi TG, IT professional and Science Communicator, Bengaluru
 Dr. Sanjeeva GN (Professor of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health.
Bengaluru)
 Dr. Shivaprasad PV (Scientist, NCBS, Bengaluru)
 Ms. Anjum Badagan (Senior High School Teacher, Peerapur (Vijayapura dist)
 Prof. Bhat, AP (Retired Professor, PPC, Udupi)
 Prof. Mallesh (Retired Professor, Mysuru)

  • List of participants
    1. Ms. Anjum a badagan Teacher, Peerapur, Vijayapur district
    2. Ms. Sunita Padekanur Teacher, Peerapur, Vijayapur district
    3. Ms. Sania Vaganageri Student, Peerapur, Vijayapur district
    4. Ms. Sowjanya Evura Student, Peerapur, Vijayapur district
    5. Ms. Chandrakala Mailari Student, Peerapur, Vijayapur district
    6. Ms. Varsha Kachapura Student, Peerapur, Vijayapur district
    7. Mr. Ravi Budihal High school Teacher, Talikoti. Vijayapur Dist
    8. Mr. Vayuputra P Yadahalli Student, Talikoti. Vijayapur Dist
    9. Mr. Aditya Ramesh Mukihal Student, Talikoti. Vijayapur Dist
    10. Mr. Sunil Ashok Jalapur Student, Talikoti. Vijayapur Dist
    11. Dr Vasanthkumar College Teacher, Bhadravathi
    12. Mr. Sheshadri M College Student, Bhadravathi
    13. Mr. Darshan S College Student, Bhadravathi
    14. Dr. Sedamkar EB College Teacher, Haveri
    15. Mr. Mallikarjun desai College Student, Haveri
    16. Mr. Goutham G Maladakara College Student, Haveri
    17. Dr. Krishnaprasad Bendehekkalu Professor, HOD, Haasan Agri. College
    18. Mr. Chakrala B N Siddhartha College student, Haasana
    19. Mr. Chethan P M College student, Haasana
    20. Mr. Mahantesh C kadrolli College student, Haasana
    21. Dr. Mahesh Asst. Professor, Udupi
    22. Mr. Sharath College student, Udupi
    23. Mr. Puneeth College student, Udupi
    24. Dr. Santosh Asst. Professor, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga
    25. Ms. Deepti S PhD student, Kuvempu University
    26. Ms. Priya MSc student, Kuvempu University
    27. Mr. Sandeep Metri MSc student, Kuvempu University
    28. Mr. Manjunath Bhat Principal, Govt. High School, Hiriadaka
    29. BENGALURU PARTICIPANTS
    30. Dr. Nethravathy V Ass. Prof., REVA
    31. Ms. Hemashree.R Student
    32. Ms. Sushmitha CM Student
    33. Ms. Asmita Student
    34. Ms. Mishmitha Student
    35. Ms. Srusthi Harennavar Student
    36. Dr. Sharanabasappa Patil Assistant professor, MSRamaiah
    37. Mr. Shashank P student
    38. Mr. Santhosh student
    39. Ms. Anupama HOD, Maharani Laxmi Ammanni college
    40. Mr. Chaithra H N Student
    41. Mr. Siri N Student
    42. Dr Chandan C Assistant professor, The Oxford college of science
    43. Ms. N Thanu Student
    44. Ms. SHRAVANI K Student
    45. Ms. Pavithra.L Student
    46. Dr. Sangeetha Professor, Garden City University
    47. Ms. Kruthika Arear Student
    48. Ms. Kavya Shree V Student