Professor Bushra Ateeq of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur received the 35th GD Birla Award for Scientific Research (2025). The award recognizes her critical contributions to biological sciences, specifically in understanding and treating various cancers.
Pioneering Cancer Research
Professor Ateeq’s research focuses on the behavior of specific cancers, including prostate and colorectal cancers . Her work investigates how these cancers develop resistance to treatment, causing commonly used drugs to fail. She identified specific mechanisms behind prostate cancer drug failure in advanced disease stages, according to IIT Kanpur.
Her studies also explored methods to reverse this drug resistance. Professor Ateeq found that artemisinin , a WHO-approved anti-malarial drug, can restore drug sensitivity in advanced prostate cancer cells. Restoring drug sensitivity means cancer cells become responsive to chemotherapy again. She also identified new supporting therapies to improve existing cancer treatments. These findings help clinicians make better treatment decisions for patients facing aggressive or treatment-resistant cancers.
About the GD Birla Award
The GD Birla Award for Scientific Research, established in 1991 , recognizes Indian scientists under the age of 50. Recipients must have conducted original research exclusively within India. The award aims to encourage scientific excellence within the nation.
A high-level selection board, chaired by the president of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), determines the annual awardee. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh .
| Award Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Established | 1991 |
| Eligibility | Indian scientists under 50 |
| Research Requirement | Original research in India |
| Prize Amount | Rs 5 lakh |
| Selection Body | High-level board chaired by INSA President |
Professor Ateeq’s Professional Journey and Roles
Professor Ateeq leads a translational biomedical research program . This program bridges fundamental laboratory discoveries with practical applications in medical treatments. Her work directly impacts patient care by translating scientific findings into clinical strategies. She also holds a position as a Senior Fellow of the DBT–Wellcome Trust India Alliance.
Beyond her research, Professor Ateeq serves as Dean of International Relations at IIT Kanpur. In this administrative role, she manages global academic partnerships and fosters international collaborations for the institute. This work enhances IIT Kanpur’s global scientific presence.
Her academic journey began in Bareilly. She completed her graduation, post-graduation, and PhD at Aligarh Muslim University . Following this, she worked at AIIMS and the National Institute of Immunology. Professor Ateeq then pursued postdoctoral research at McGill University and the University of Michigan. She joined IIT Kanpur in 2013 , establishing her research group.
Prior Awards and Recognition
The GD Birla Award adds to Professor Ateeq’s extensive list of honors. Her previous recognitions include the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize , the UNESCO–TWAS Award , and the JC Bose Fellowship . These awards underscore her position as a leading cancer researcher in India, the institute reported.