The two‑day event, titled “Foldscope: An Affordable Tool for Exploring the Microscopic World,” took place on the university campus and combined a lecture with practical training on assembling and using the device.
Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Syed Ashfaq Ahmed opened the session, stressing the need to nurture scientific curiosity through direct observation of the microscopic world and praising the initiative as a way to make advanced tools accessible to students.
Chief guest and resource person Dr. Sudarshan delivered a special lecture that covered the principles behind Foldscope, its range of applications in biology and its potential to democratise scientific research.
Following the talk, Dr. Sudarshan led a hands‑on demonstration, guiding participants through the step‑by‑step assembly of the microscope and showing how to conduct basic microscopic observations, while assistant professor Syed Abrar of the Botany department chaired the session.
Around 105 participants, including students, teaching staff and organisers, actively engaged in the practical segment, gaining experience that bridges theoretical coursework with real‑world scientific techniques.
Organisers said the workshop highlighted how affordable microscopy can expand research opportunities in the biological sciences, especially in institutions with limited resources.