Renowned scientist Dr Kishore M Paknikar, former Director of the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Bombay, has been selected as one of the first recipients of the Prime Minister Professorship instituted by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, according to a report in The Indian Express.
He will be hosted at COEP Technological University, Pune, for a period of five years .
The Prime Minister Professorship is a new national initiative aimed at strengthening India’s research ecosystem by placing highly experienced scientists in universities that have strong teaching foundations but need sustained research leadership.
The Prime Minister Professorship will provide a fellowship of Rs 2,50,000 per month, along with a research grant of Rs 24,00,000 per annum and an overhead of Rs 1,00,000 per annum, for a duration of five years.
Unlike traditional fellowships that primarily support individual research, the PM Professorship places accomplished and superannuated but research active scientists, technologists and industry professionals of Indian origin directly within universities that lack strong research ecosystems.
These appointments involve full time relocation to the host institution and a commitment of up to five years. Prof Paknikar is among the 21 professors who have been appointed across the country as part of this national initiative.
Prof Paknikar is widely known for his contributions to microbiology and nanotechnology, with particular emphasis on environmental biotechnology, nanomaterials, and translational research.
Over a long and distinguished career, he has combined fundamental science with technology development and has played a key role in mentoring young scientists and building research groups.
Reacting to his selection, Prof Paknikar described the honour as a responsibility to give back to the academic system. He told The Indian Express that the professorship offers a unique opportunity to channel the experience of senior scientists into strengthening universities that educate large numbers of students but often lack strong research ecosystems.
According to him, embedding experienced researchers within such institutions can bring lasting cultural change in how research is pursued and valued.
At COEP Technological University, Prof Paknikar plans to focus on mentoring faculty members, doctoral scholars, and early-career researchers. His proposed work will focus on interdisciplinary research and solutions relevant to national needs, including water technology, environmental sustainability, advanced materials, and industry-linked innovation.
Developing collaborative projects, strengthening laboratory culture, and encouraging problem-driven research will be central to his role.
The Prime Minister Professorship is expected to play an important role in reducing disparities in India’s higher education research landscape by spreading excellence beyond a small number of elite institutions and making high-quality research more widely accessible.
Renowned scientist Dr Kishore M Paknikar has been chosen as one of the first recipients of the Prime Minister Professorship, a new national initiative aimed at strengthening research ecosystems in Indian universities.