DR. K. V. RAO SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 500038 India

Mission Statement

Promote and Popularize STEM among students at all levels of education in India. Spot the talent, recognize and mentor students in sciences. Encourage innovation, creativity, and scientific temper in the young minds.

About This Cause

KVRSS – Promoting STEM in India – A Saga of 25 Years History and Mission: • Founded in 2001 in memory of Dr. K. V. Rao, a Scientist who promoted multidisciplinary research at Geological Survey of India, Hyderabad. • Aims to promote and popularize STEM among students. • Established through donations from Dr. Rao's friends and family. Activities and Impact: • Initially focused on awarding Research Awards to young scientists in one subject, Chemistry. • Initiated events for school students in Andhra Pradesh and later expanded to whole of India. • Expanded to encompass all basic sciences Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Math), both at research and school for various competitive activities. • Developed a Science Innovation Centre funded by Electronic Arts, Hyderabad • Developed a Mobile Science Lab funded by Lalitha Varanasi Fund through Orange County Community Foundation, California • Support received from Corporates, both as fund and in kind, like TATAs, Google, Amazon, Microsoft and others • Collaborated with various educational and research institutions for STEM popularization. • Impacted more than 75,000 students over 24 years. • Offers mentoring through Concept Hands-on teaching at the Innovation Centre and a Mobile Science Lab. • More than 250 Research students awarded and presently in prestigious institutions • Started Teachers Training in hands-on concepts learning by which KVRSS will be able to extend its reach to many more students Recognition and Support: • Received support from individuals, corporates, and funding agencies • Attracts numerous applications for research awards and school students’ awards • Features eminent scientists for Memorial Orations at its annual awards function • Research Awardees, now in senior positions volunteer for KVRSS activities • Senior scientists from numerous institutions across India are on the panel of Judges • Collaborative activities with research institutions, organisations and schools KVRSS has established itself as a leading non-governmental organization in the promotion of STEM activities in India. Its efforts to encourage young and child scientists and provide them with opportunities for learning and research have made a significant impact on the scientific community across India. Key Themes in KVRSS's Mission: • Talent Spotting and Nurturing: KVRSS aims to identify and foster scientific talent among students • Science Popularization: The Society seeks to promote and make science accessible to a wider audience • Student Engagement: KVRSS provides various platforms for students to participate in and learn about science • Friendship with Science: The Society encourages a positive and engaging relationship between students and science • Achievement and Contribution: KVRSS supports students in their scientific endeavors and contributions. Key Activities of the Society are: 1. Concept and Experiential Learning of Science and Math: For Grades 7 to 10. The methodology involves students learning through doing, with kits containing a number of activities to understand each concept. Both the Science Innovation Centre and Mobile Science Lab are equipped with various models and scientific equipment which are given to the students to conduct the experiments themselves. This gives them an opportunity to understand the concept better and also the process of experimentation. 2. Mentoring of students: Apart from concept classes the Innovation Centre and Mobile lab facilities are used for giving shape to students creative ideas through camps and one-on-one mentoring. 3. Research Awards in basic sciences for young scientists below 30 years 4. SPARK Innovation Awards for school students (grades 7 to 12) for creative and innovative ideas 5. SMART (Science Meets ART) Awards for best depiction of scientific concepts in Art form 6. Science Quiz Awards at school level for the brilliant minds 7. School Talent Awards (Scholarships for school students in rural areas) 8. Teach the Teacher programmes to train teachers of schools in Hands-on learning 9. Science Safari Camps - to present science through fun filled activities Key milestones: About 1000 students received awards till date More than 75000 students have participated in various activities of KVRSS Special Postage Cover on Dr. K. V. Rao issued in 2015 by Department of Posts, A.P. Circle, Hyderabad. Supported by NASSCOM Foundation for various It related products. Supported by various corporates like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, TATAs. Collaborated with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad for promotion and popularization of science among school students. Collaborative Activities with CSIR-CCMB, University of Hyderabad, BITS-Hyderabad, and Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning for outreach programmes Partnering with Educational Institutions, both private and government for conduct of science events for them. Development of Science Innovation Centre with support from Electronic Arts-Hyderabad Development of Mobile Science lab with support from Orange County Community Fund, California. Support to Government schools for hands-on teaching Impact and Future Directions: • Community Outreach: KVRSS could expand its reach by organizing more events and workshops in local schools and communities • Collaborations: The Society could partner with universities, research institutions, and industry to provide students with more opportunities for learning and growth • Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs could connect students with experienced scientists and professionals • Digital Initiatives: Leveraging technology, KVRSS could create online resources, webinars, and virtual labs to make science more accessible • Research Support: The Society could provide funding or resources to support student research projects • Teacher Training: The Society started this initiative for Teachers in Science concepts hands-on teaching to extend its reach to students manifold • Science Centres: KVRSS plans to develop science centres in various locations to impact more students in STEM learning Understanding the Logo: Lighthouse: A beacon of hope and guidance, symbolizing KVRSS's role in illuminating the path of Scientific Discovery and STEM Learning Slogan: "Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya" translates to "Lead me from darkness to light," reinforcing the Society's commitment to shedding light on scientific knowledge and talent. KVRSS's mission aligns well with the logo's symbolism of guidance and enlightenment. By continuing to focus on talent development, science and STEM popularization, and student engagement, the Society plans to make a significant impact on the scientific community and inspire future generations of scientists.

DR. K. V. RAO SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY
84 Vengal Rao Nagar Po Siddhartha Nagar
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500038
India
Phone +919959444933
Unique Identifier 5709373209046_4aa8