Bridging the Lab and the Public: ‘From Research to Reach’ Workshop at BRIC‑CDFD

On Monday, October 12, 2026, the bustling corridors of the BRIC‑Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC‑CDFD) in Hyderabad buzzed with a different kind of energy. Instead of pipettes and sequencers, the day was filled with microphones, laptops and a palpable sense of purpose as scientists, journalists, policy‑makers and communication specialists converged for a two‑day national workshop titled “From Research to Reach”.

Opening the session, BRIC‑CDFD Director Ullas Kolthur‑Seetharam welcomed the diverse crowd. He painted a vivid picture of the initiative as a bridge—one that could carry the latest discoveries straight into the hands of everyday citizens. He even hinted that, if the chemistry works out, this could become an annual ritual, a sort of “science‑to‑society” calendar.

Varsha, the workshop’s organising secretary and a staff scientist at BRIC‑CDFD, then laid out the agenda. The aim? To grapple with the newest challenges in science communication, from the rise of artificial intelligence to the shifting sands of journalism, and to surface concrete ideas that participants could take back to their own organisations.

The keynote spotlight fell on Pallava Bagla, a veteran science reporter from NDTV. With a calm confidence that only decades of covering labs and field studies can bring, Bagla recounted anecdotes of missed opportunities and triumphs in storytelling. His central message was simple yet powerful: effective communication isn’t an afterthought; it’s as critical as the research itself.

Following the keynote, a lively panel titled “Science Communication in the Age of AI” dove into how algorithms, chatbots and data visualisation tools are reshaping public engagement. The discussion featured T.V. Venkateswaran, visiting professor at IISER Mohali, who warned against letting AI dictate narratives, Sarah Iqbal from FAST India who showcased successful digital campaigns, and Tejah Balantrapu of LV Prasad Eye Institute, who shared a recent AI‑driven outreach program for eye‑health awareness. Moderated by Somdatta of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), the conversation balanced optimism with caution.

The second panel, “The Changing Landscape of Science Journalism”, turned the lens on credibility and responsibility in a media ecosystem that’s increasingly fragmented. Alongside Bagla, participants included Ramya Kannan, health editor and Tamil Nadu bureau chief of The Hindu, M. Somasekhar, former BusinessLine bureau chief, and Nirupa Vatyam, assistant editor at The Times of India, Hyderabad. Dr Varsha steered the dialogue, probing how journalists can maintain rigor while appealing to diverse audiences.

Representatives from the state’s Department of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Science and Technology rounded off the day, pledging support for future collaborations. As the workshop drew to a close, attendees exchanged contact details, promising to keep the conversation alive beyond the conference hall.

In the words of one participant, “We left with more questions than answers, but that’s exactly what good science communication feels like—always a work in progress.” The hope is that the seeds planted at BRIC‑CDFD will sprout into lasting partnerships, turning complex research into stories that resonate with every corner of society.