GITAM professor wins VASVIK award for antimicrobial research

Dr. Nitin Yadav, Associate Professor at the GITAM School of Pharmacy, GITAM Deemed to be University, has been awarded the prestigious VASVIK Industrial Research Award in the category of Biological Sciences and Technology for his research work.

Speaking to The Coastal Times, Dr. Yadav said the recognition was for his research on developing stabilised peptide-based antimicrobial agents to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, which he described as “a rapidly escalating global public health concern”. “Our focus is on designing peptide-based therapeutics that can serve as effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics,” he said, adding that antimicrobial resistance has emerged as one of the most serious challenges facing modern healthcare systems.

The VASVIK Industrial Research Awards, instituted by VASVIK (Vividhlaxi Audyogik Samshodhan Vikas Kendra), recognise scientists for excellence in industrial research, science, and technology, with an emphasis on originality, societal relevance, and long-term impact.

Dr. Yadav said his research interests also extend to tissue engineering, cancer therapy, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine. “We aim to bridge basic science with translational research so that laboratory findings can be developed into safe and clinically relevant therapeutic solutions,” he explained.

Officials of GITAM Deemed to be University said the award marked an important milestone for the institution. “Such national recognition highlights the strong research ecosystem at GITAM and our commitment to advancing biological sciences and technology, particularly in areas linked to public health,” a university official told The Coastal Times.

They added that the honour underscored the role of academic institutions in contributing to solutions for complex healthcare challenges through sustained research and innovation.