A PhD research scholar from the School of Pharmacy and Research will work on new ways to fight drug-resistant bacteria under a fully sponsored international fellowship
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 02, 2026: Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU), by Dr. D. Y. Patil Group, Pune, is proud to announce that Mr. Abuzar Shaikh, PhD research scholarat DPGU School of Pharmacy and Research, has been selected for the Prognica Research Fellows Program, Cohort 2026. The selection is a proud moment for Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU), by Dr. D. Y. Patil Group, Pune, and shows the growing recognition of its research community at the international level.
The Prognica Research Fellows Program is a six-month, fully supported global fellowship. It is meant for young researchers who are working, or wish to work, in the fields of Drug Discovery, Multi-omics, Molecular Diagnostics and Translational Biology. The program carries an estimated value of US$ 12,000 and is 100 percent sponsored, so selected fellows can focus fully on their research without worrying about cost. Applications for the 2026 cohort were open from 1 August to 30 August 2026.
Mr. Shaikh has been selected for his research topic, “Computational Discovery and Wet-Lab Validation of Carbapenemase Adjuvants in Klebsiella pneumoniae, with Platform Benchmarking Against Staphylococcus aureus Resistance Targets.” In simple words, his work looks for new compounds that can help existing antibiotics work again against dangerous bacteria. Carbapenem antibiotics are often used as a last option for serious infections, but some bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae have learned to resist them. This makes treatment difficult and puts patients at risk. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious health concerns in India and across the world, so research of this kind carries real importance for society.
His project combines two approaches. First, computer-based methods are used to identify promising molecules. Then these findings are tested in the laboratory to confirm whether they actually work. The study will also compare the results with resistance targets in Staphylococcus aureus, which will help check how reliable the research platform is.
During the fellowship, Mr. Shaikh will get access to an AI-powered drug discovery and computational biology platform. The tools available include target identification, drug repurposing, virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, ADMET analysis and lead optimization. Along with this, fellows receive scientific mentorship and guidance from industry experts, chances to collaborate with researchers across the world, and support for publications, conferences and innovation-driven research.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University, by Dr. D. Y. Patil Group, Pune, said, “We are very happy that Mr. Abuzar Shaikh has been chosen for this international fellowship. His selection shows that our students can compete with the best researchers in the world. At Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU), by Dr. D. Y. Patil Group, Pune, we always encourage research that solves real problems of society, and fighting antibiotic resistance is one such need. I congratulate him and wish him success in the coming months.”
DPGU, continues to support its students and faculty members in taking up advanced research, joining global programs and building skills that are useful for both industry and academics. The university believes that such opportunities help young scholars learn new methods, meet experts and bring valuable knowledge back to the campus.
With this selection, Mr. Abuzar Shaikh becomes an inspiration for fellow students and researchers at Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU), by Dr. D. Y. Patil Group, Pune. The university wishes him all the best for his fellowship journey and looks forward to the contribution his work can make to healthcare and science.
