IIST organised a two-day IIST@Schools Programme at Assumption College, Kottayam, on 5 and 6 November 2026. The programme witnessed the participation of approximately 130 students from various government and private schools, as well as Assumption College.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice-Chancellor, IIST; Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro Vice-Chancellor, IIST; and Dr. Rani Maria Thomas, Principal, Assumption College, Kottayam. The inaugural session emphasised the importance of fostering scientific curiosity and promoting awareness of space science and emerging technologies among students.

Over the two days, IIST faculty members delivered expert lectures and interactive sessions on a range of topics. The sessions were delivered by Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph, Dr. M. Deepu, Dr. K. G. Sreejalekshmi, Dr. Jinesh K. B. and Dr. Sam Noble.

The programme also featured hands-on sessions on Mechanics of Machines, Rocketry and Astronomy, along with a Virtual Reality (VR) experience and solar observation. These practical and interactive sessions were facilitated by IIST Faculty, research scholars and students, providing participants with an opportunity to engage directly with scientific concepts, experimental demonstrations and emerging technologies.

The programme concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, during which Prof. M. Deepu, Dean (Student Activities, Student Welfare and Outreach), IIST, distributed certificates to the participating students.

The two-day programme provided a valuable platform for students to interact with IIST faculty and research scholars and gain practical exposure to space science, aerospace engineering and related technological advancements. The initiative reaffirmed IIST's commitment to promoting scientific education and inspiring the next generation through academic engagement and outreach activities.