Innovative & Inquiry-Based Science Teaching
for Middle School (Std 5–7)
11th -13th Aug., 2026
Advancing Scientific Knowledge. Empowering Educators. Promoting Research.
The Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA) is committed to promoting scientific education, strengthening professional capabilities, and encouraging research. Through refresher courses, lecture workshops, and teacher-training programmes, IWSA provides opportunities for teachers, students, and researchers to engage with emerging scientific developments and contemporary research.
Refresher Courses and Lecture Workshops
To keep pace with rapid advances in science and technology, IWSA organises specialised refresher courses for teachers and lecture workshops for students and faculty. These programmes bring together eminent scientists and subject experts to share current knowledge, introduce new research developments, and encourage interactive learning.
Several programmes have been supported by the Joint Education Panel of the three National Science Academies:
- Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi
- Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad)
Selected Programmes
- Neurosciences: Biology to Disease Management (2018)
- Lasers and Their Applications (2018)
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (2017)
- OMICS: Basics and Applications (2017)
- Bioinformatics (2016)
- Foundations of Physics (2014–2015)
- Advances in Plant and Animal Biotechnology (2013)
Click on the above links for their respective reports.
Workshops and Continuing Education
IWSA also organises specialised workshops for schoolteachers, students, and professionals, addressing emerging scientific fields, new technologies, and innovative teaching methodologies.
Selected programmes include:
- Innovative and Inquiry-Based Science Teaching for Middle School (Standards V–VII) — 11–13 August 2026
- Workshop for Teachers of Science and Mathematics — 3–7 June 2024; for teachers of Classes VII–XII in SSC and CBSE schools
- Refresher Course for School Teachers — 3–6 May 2022
- Lasers, Fibre Optics, Optical Communications and Fibre Sensors — 6–7 March 2020
- Machine Learning — 3–5 February 2020
- Beneficial Effects of Radiation and the Indian Nuclear Energy Programme — 14 September 2019
- Bioinformatics: Molecular Dynamics — December 2018
- Bioinformatics: RNA-seq Data Analysis — September 2018, December 2017 and February 2017
These programmes promote continuing education, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and help participants engage with evolving scientific concepts and applications.
Research Projects
IWSA members have undertaken research projects, supported by government and other funding agencies, addressing important public health, environmental, and social concerns.
- Integrated Approach to Tribal Welfare with Special Reference to Women and Children (1981–1999)
Convened by K. Ranadive, this project was conducted in tribal areas of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, with support from various government agencies. It investigated the health status of tribal communities, focusing on respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive health problems, particularly among women and children.
- Assessment of Indoor Pollution in Tribal Communities of Western Maharashtra (2000–2003)
Conducted by U. Thakare, J. J. Nadkarni, R. S. Patil, and S. C. Gupte, this project was funded by the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Government of India.
The study examined indoor air pollution associated with different cooking fuels and stove designs. Its findings indicated that improved cooking stoves reduced carbon monoxide and respirable particulate concentrations compared with traditional stoves using biofuels.
The research also investigated potential health effects on women, including changes in lung function and circulating immunoglobulin levels, and highlighted the need for longer-term studies of indoor air pollution and its health consequences.
Our Commitment
Through its educational and research initiatives, IWSA continues to facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge, strengthen teaching and learning, and support research addressing societal needs. These programmes reflect IWSA’s commitment to scientific advancement, education, and the application of science for the benefit of society.
