Workshop on “Foldscope: An Affordable Tool for Microscopic Exploration”
The Department of Zoology and Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi, organized a workshop entitled “Foldscope: An Affordable Tool for Microscopic Exploration” at the Seminar Hall – FOS304, Faculty of Sciences, Khaja Bandanawaz University On 16 September 2026
The workshop was organized with the objective of introducing students to Fold scope as an affordable and accessible tool for microscopic exploration and providing them with an opportunity to gain both conceptual understanding and practical experience in its assembly, handling and application. The inaugural programme was anchored by Ms. Aameena Mehreen, M.Sc. I Semester, Department of Botany, KBN University, and Ms. Zainab Fatima, M.Sc. III Semester, Department of Botany, KBN University, who welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, staff and students and coordinated the proceedings of the programme. The programme commenced with an introduction and Qirat, followed by the welcome address delivered by Dr. Romana Mirdhe, Head of the Department of Botany, who extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, faculty members, staff and students. The inaugural programme continued with the watering of the plant and felicitation of the dignitaries, marking the ceremonial significance of the occasion. This was followed by Dr. Heena Mubeen, Head of the Department of Zoology, who spoke about the workshop and explained its objectives and significance, particularly the importance of practical and skill-oriented learning for students. The workshop focused on Foldscope, a simple origami-based paper microscope, Prof. Syed Ashfaq Ahmed, Pro Vice Chancellor, Khaja Bandanawaz University, emphasized the opportunity provided by the workshop to explore the world beyond the lens and encouraged students to develop scientific curiosity through practical learning. During the inaugural programme, the contribution of the Chief Guest and Resource Person, Dr. Sudarshan, was also highlighted in connection with the scientific and practical objectives of the workshop. His participation as the resource person was intended to provide students with expert guidance on Foldscope and its applications, particularly through the special talk and subsequent practical training. The inaugural programme formally concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Saadath Ali on behalf of the organizing committee. Following the inaugural programme, the workshop proceeded with a special talk by Dr. Sudarshan, the Chief Guest and Resource Person, which was chaired by Dr. Syed Abrar, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, KBN University. During the special talk, Dr. Sudarshan shared his expertise and provided students with detailed insights into Foldscope, its principle, applications and significance in microscopic exploration. He explained the practical relevance of Foldscope as an affordable microscopy tool and helped the participants understand its potential for scientific observation. Following the special talk, the students participated in the hands-on training session, which was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Sudarshan. He demonstrated the assembly, handling and use of Foldscope and guided the students through the practical process of using the instrument for microscopic observation. The participants actively took part in assembling and operating the Foldscope and gained direct practical experience with the instrument. The hands-on session enabled the students to connect the concepts discussed during the special talk with actual practical observation and helped them appreciate the usefulness of Foldscope as an affordable and accessible microscopy tool.
A total of 105 students from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes participated in the workshop. The programme also witnessed participation from students of other institutions, including Sharnabasveshwar college of Science, Kalaburagi, providing an opportunity for interaction and academic exchange among students from different institutions.
Key takeaways from the workshop included understanding the concept and working principle of Foldscope, learning how to assemble and handle the instrument, gaining practical experience in microscopic observation, recognizing the potential of affordable microscopy in biological sciences, and developing greater scientific curiosity through hands-on learning.
The workshop successfully combined expert interaction, theoretical learning and hands-on practical training, providing 105 participants with valuable exposure to an affordable technology for microscopic exploration and strengthening the culture of experiential learning in biological sciences
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