Behind The Curtain
The SciComm Synapse is a science communication community, with the mission to bridge the gap between science and society. As our name suggests, we act as a synapse, the vital connection relaying scientific understanding to the world. Our vision to cultivate a multidisciplinary STEM ecosystem where scientific knowledge connects and empowers society for a positive change.
The Change We Create
There is a significant gap between scientific research conducted in laboratories and its understanding by the general public. In addition, the disconnect between education and research often leaves even STEM graduates feeling unprepared and uncertain about how to engage with current scientific developments. Furthermore, research findings are frequently confined to academic journals and books, limiting their accessibility. To address these challenges, The SciComm Synapse introduces a unique approach to science communication
How we bridge the gap?
The SciComm Synapse presents science through an online, interactive live podcast. We invite leading professors and scientists to share honest stories about their career journeys, with content especially designed for students and early-career researchers. Each episode explores how researchers began their careers, the challenges they faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths to becoming established scientists. Our podcast focuses on providing practical advice and offering a unique insight for undergraduate and graduate students into what it truly takes to build a fulfilling STEM career. Through open dialogue, our guests support researchers navigating the transition into independent roles or aspiring to become principal investigators. Additionally, the podcast serves as a gateway to internships, research experiences, and advanced study opportunities. You can watch our recorded Podcast sessions YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommsynapse
Roots & Routes
The SciComm Synapse began as a vision shared by Dhairya Rajguru and his mother, Rohini Rajguru, whose unwavering dedication to science and society laid the foundation for a thriving STEM community.
In 2017, Dhairya first attempted to build a space where young scientists could freely share ideas and support one another. Despite the initiative’s early closure due to limited planning and resources, the spark to create something meaningful remained alive.
The true turning point came in 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Rohini, working at the grassroots to combat misinformation and promote vaccine awareness in rural communities, inspired Dhairya to reignite their dream. Determined to bridge the gap between scientific truth and public understanding, they rallied a team of passionate STEM students and launched the Scientific Community—a digital haven dedicated to knowledge-sharing and mutual support.
Starting with WhatsApp groups, the community quickly blossomed into a diverse network of young science enthusiasts, united by a shared love for discovery and open dialogue. Demonstrating perseverance, Dhairya—with no prior coding experience—built the first website himself, turning challenges into stepping stones.
The group’s reach expanded as they organized webinars, SciArt competitions, motivational talks, and mental health initiatives, becoming India’s first student-led STEM community, created by and for students.
As Dhairya and other members moved ahead for higher studies, the community started falling down. Later, in 2023 recognized an enduring gap between scientific research and education, often held back by poor understanding and lack of direction. Embracing this challenge, Dhairya redefined the mission and the name: The SciComm Synapse.
The name is at the heart of what we do—just as a synapse bridges the gap between neurons, The SciComm Synapse bridges the divide between science and society (“SciComm”—science communication). Today, it stands as a vibrant, international community inspiring thousands to learn, share, and ignite positive change through science.
