The University of Pune has accorded recognition to Wockhardt Research Centre, Aurangabad, as a Post Graduate Research Centre for undertaking PhD programmes in basic science and pharmaceutical science facilities of the university.

The recognition offers opportunity to the staff of the research center to register and pursue PhD programmes in the faculty of science (biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry and health sciences) and in the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences (pharmaceuticals, pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry) while working at the center.

“The university officials who inspected our facility were impressed with our globally competitive infrastructure and professional work culture,” said Dr. Maharaj Sahib, Director of Genomics and Biotechnology Research, and head of Wockhardt’s Biotechnology Research Centre. “They were of the unanimous opinion that such an effort needs appreciation and encouragement from academic institutions like the university,” he said.

Pioneering work at the research center has enabled Wockhardt Limited to emerge as the first Asian manufacturer of recombinant human insulin. The President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, was among the dignitaries who congratulated Wockhardt scientists on this achievement.

One of the objectives of recognizing such centers is to increase industry-academia collaboration. Towards this, the university and the research center are likely to initiate joint research programmes.

“The recognition allows our scientists to undertake doctoral research while working at Wockhardt Research Centre,” Dr. Sahib said. “It is a tribute to the high standards of research conducted at our research center. This recognition is pursuant with Wockhardt’s commitment to growth of its people,” he said. Wockhardt scientists have published over 75 research papers and have over 80 patents to their credit.

Wockhardt Limited is a research and technology-oriented pharmaceutical company and a front-runner in biotechnology. Wockhardt has an active multi-disciplinary R&D programme employing over 350 scientists. Wockhardt has an increasing global presence. 53% of sales revenue comes from International business, most of it from Europe and the US.