The Prof PC Dandiya Endowment Trust instituted a national award for outstanding contributions in the field of pharmacology. Dr Prakash Diwan, director & Head Pharmacology Division and Dr TSS Dikshith, consultant, Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad have been awarded the Chandra Kanta Dandiya Prize for the year 2003.

The recipients published a book entitled ‘Industrial Guide to Chemical & Drug Safety’ published by John & Wiley Sons, Inc. USA in 2003. The book is about a broad range of toxic materials offering valuable guidance to a host of occupational workers handling hazardous chemicals or drugs. The award was considered for this contribution and it will be formally presented by the trust in April 2004 at New Delhi.

Dr Diwan established the Department of Pharmacology at IICT in 1983, and it has been accredited for ISO 9002 by TUV Germany and approved for Drugs and Cosmetics Testing by Drugs Control Administration, AP.

The areas of interest are novel drug deliver system, drug discovery from plants/synthesis, pharmacokinetics and pharmacological screening.

The pharmacology division has been recognized by universities to pursue PhD. Presently, 10 students are carrying out research in the areas of pharmaceutical technology. The department has a well-established animal house facility, which is in compliance with GLP.