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Scienspur Foundation · Official Publication

Annual Report 2025-26

Broadening access to quality life science education for underprivileged students — a year of scientific democratization, global reach, and academic excellence.

April 2025 – March 2026 Academic Term
Annual Performance

Year at a Glance

Key verified metrics from the 2025-26 academic year

4
Courses Delivered
in a single academic year
387+
Students Selected
from 880+ applicants globally
9+
Countries Reached
Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas
54.6%
Alumni in Academia
MSc, PhD & research roles
130+
Live Sessions
across all programs
1,200+
Volunteer Hours
Teaching & TA mentorship
SECTION 01

Executive Summary & Institutional Impact

Democratizing advanced biological sciences across underserved colleges

The 2025-26 academic year represented a pivotal expansion of Scienspur's mission to democratize advanced life science education. Between April 2025 and March 2026, Scienspur implemented strategic pedagogical innovations to empower hundreds of undergraduates from underserved regions, enabling proficiency in modern molecular biology technologies.

Through intensive journal clubs and research paper dissections, our cohorts engaged in high-level discourse across Basic Molecular Genetics, Advanced Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology.

This year's success was made possible through the unwavering support of the Mittal Institute, which has served as the essential substrate for our collective growth.

SECTION 02

Academic Programs Delivered (2025-26)

Four intensive, semester-long courses taught by active postdocs and PhD scholars
PROGRAM 01 · May 2025 – August 2025

Basics of Molecular Genetics

25+
Learning Sessions

This course transformed "DNA novices into genomics trailblazers." Over 25 learning sessions, students mastered the foundational mechanics of heredity — designed as a rigorous talent funnel for advanced progression.

🧬
The Code
Deciphering DNA structure and the high-fidelity machinery of replication.
📨
The Message
Exploring how genetic information flows from DNA to RNA through transcription.
⚙️
The Product
Understanding protein synthesis and the essential building blocks of life.
🔛
The Control
Introduction to how genes are 'turned on' (promoters) or 'amplified' (enhancers).
PROGRAM 02 · August 2025 – December 2025

Advanced Molecular Genetics

68
Elite Students
🏆
Awards Galaxy: Stars Aligned!
Following a rigorous "Post-Course Assignment" selection, 68 elite students earned honors for exemplary academic performance.
SECTION 03

Strategic Implementation & QDL Framework

Pedagogical innovation combining Question-Driven Learning and Alert Point tracking
❄️

The Winter Recharge

We implemented a deliberate break from December 1st to 25th, allowing students to manage university examination schedules without falling behind.

📝

Engagement Assignments

Light, curiosity-driven assignments kept momentum alive during the break without causing burnout, resuming full classes in January.

📸

Dual-Point Engagement System

For Neurobiology, the 'Alert Point' system was introduced. Students earned an Alert Point only if their camera was on for >75% of the session — ensuring attendance means active participation.

SECTION 04

Digital Transformation: Atfolks LMS Revolution

Centralized learning hub powering low-bandwidth accessibility worldwide
LMS Platform

Atfolks App Integration

This year, we transitioned our Learning Management System to the Atfolks app, creating a centralized hub for all sessions, homework submissions, and journal paper repositories.

📱
Mobile-First Approach
Beta-tested the mobile app for learners to participate on smartphones.
🔗
Full Onboarding
Onboarding all Scienspur programs for the 2026-27 season.
🎯
Centralized Repository
All session recordings and reading materials in one unified portal.
SECTION 05

Academic Leadership & Faculty

Distinguished researchers and postdocs serving as volunteer educators
B
Dr. Arka Banerjee
Instructor, Weill Cornell Medicine
Advanced Molecular Genetics
G
Dr. Payel Ganguly
Postdoc, Harvard Medical School
Advanced Molecular Genetics & Neurobiology
C
Dr. Ratna Chaturvedi
Instructor, UMass Chan Medical
Neurobiology
S
Dr. Sanjeev Sharma
Postdoc, Weill Cornell Medicine
Cell Biology
S
Dr. Parijat Sil
Postdoc, Princeton University
Cell Biology
T
Dr. Rajan Thakur
Postdoc, Brown University
Cell Biology
SECTION 06 · LOOKING AHEAD

2026-27 Vision & Roadmap

As we conclude another transformative year, Scienspur remains steadfast in its mission. In 2026–27, we plan to expand our course catalog, onboard over 100+ volunteer postdocs, and deepen alumni mentorship programs to empower the next generation of scientific leaders.