Tamil Nadu Academy of Sciences (TNAS), headquartered at the University of Madras, has initiated a Summer Internship Programme targeting meritorious second-year postgraduate students from the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. This initiative particularly emphasizes inclusion by encouraging participation from students belonging to rural communities across the Tamil Nadu State. The primary objective of this exposure visit is to:

1. Providing exposure to advanced scientific institutions and laboratory research,
2. Motivating students to pursue research careers in science and technology, and
3. Encouraging them to appear for national-level competitive examinations such as the CSIR-NET and GATE.

Institutional Exposure Visit to NCSCM

On June 9, 2025, a cohort of 27 postgraduate students under the TNAS Summer Internship Programme visited the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), an autonomous research institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, located in Chennai.

The purpose of the visit was to provide students with direct exposure to the multidisciplinary research environment of NCSCM and enhance their understanding of marine sciences, oceanography, and coastal ecosystem research. The visit also served as a platform for interaction between aspiring young scholars and seasoned scientists.

Scientific Engagement and Laboratory Exposure

During the visit, students were introduced to the institutional vision and mission of NCSCM, along with a comprehensive overview of its ongoing research activities in the domain of sustainable coastal management, climate change adaptation, and marine biodiversity conservation.

The academic tour included visits to various specialized laboratories, where students gained hands-on knowledge and scientific insights:

• Ecotoxicology Laboratory: Demonstrations focused on evaluating the impact of pollutants on marine organisms using bioassays and contaminant analysis techniques.
• Hydrochemistry Laboratory: Students learned about sampling protocols, analytical procedures, and the interpretation of hydrochemical data related to coastal and estuarine waters.
• Coastal Ecology Laboratory: An overview of methodologies used to assess habitat characteristics, species diversity, and ecosystem functioning was provided.
• Coastal Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory: The role of microbial communities in coastal health, pollution control, and biotechnological applications was discussed.
• Plankton Ecology Laboratory: Students observed the classification and quantification of phytoplankton and zooplankton and their role in nutrient cycling and food web dynamics.

In addition to laboratory exposure, the students interacted with scientists of NCSCM:

Student Feedback and Academic Impact

The students expressed great enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and witness the scientific facilities first-hand. Many students showed a strong interest in exploring doctoral research opportunities in the fields of marine science, coastal ecology, and environmental chemistry.

The exposure has proven instrumental in:

• Broadening the students’ academic horizons beyond traditional classroom learning,
• Reinforcing their motivation to pursue higher education and competitive research careers, and
• Instilling a deeper appreciation for applied environmental science and interdisciplinary research.

The visit of TNAS internship students to NCSCM marked a successful interaction between a scientific research institution and young academic talent from across Tamil Nadu. The program exemplifies the importance of scientific outreach, mentorship, and early-stage exposure in building a pipeline of future researchers and environmental scientists. Initiatives such as these are crucial in ensuring equitable access to research opportunities and fostering a generation committed to sustainable development and scientific excellence.