Advancing Knowledge ForHealthier Lives

For 40 years, the KEM Hospital Research Centre (KEMHRC) has been engaged in clinical, laboratory, and community-based research that has placed it among the premier institutions in the country. KEMHRC is affiliated to the KEM Hospital in Pune, which has 17 speciality departments that conduct all their research activities and interventional studies through the Research Centre. This includes hospital- and community-based paediatric and adult vaccine trials; neonatal, maternal and child health research; demographic and epidemiological surveys; clinical research; implementation research, operations research; and social science research.

KEMHRC receives national and international funding that enables it to conduct path-breaking applied, problem-oriented, and problem-solving research that focuses on the betterment of human health. It also reaches out to underprivileged communities with limited or no access to healthcare.

In September 2023, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recognised KEMHRC as a Collaborating Centre of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE). Valid for five years (extendable), this recognition places KEMHRC among only 25 centres across India chosen to advance collaborative, multidisciplinary research in priority health areas. Building on its expertise in infectious diseases, vaccine trials, nutrition, health surveillance, digital health, and NCD research, KEMHRC will contribute to research reviews, capacity building, training, large community-based studies, and development of harmonised research protocols, thus helping to strengthen India’s biomedical research ecosystem.

The idea of a separate research centre came up during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of KEM Hospital in 1972. KEMHRC was officially launched in 1973, with Padma Bhushan and Magsaysay Award winner Dr. Banoo Coyaji as its founding Chairperson. It was registered as an independent Society and Trust with the Charity Commissioner in 1985. Registered under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), the Centre is also recognised by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

The Centre’s initial focus was on laboratory-based research. With the support of Mr. Pramod Khosla and Mr. S. K. Kirloskar, renowned industrialists of the time, the Centre secured funding to expand its research into the field of community health. In 1978, Dr. V. N. Rao, former Director of Health Services, Maharashtra, and retired Senior Deputy Director General, ICMR, assumed the responsibilities of Director Research. Under his stewardship, research activities became more comprehensive and several clinical studies related to various life-threatening diseases were undertaken. International agencies like Ford Foundation, International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW), and the Population Council, among others, collaborated with the Centre. This enabled KEMHRC to work on widely prevalent social issues such as abortion, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, adolescent health, and sexuality.

Community-based programmes are a priority at KEMHRC, and constant efforts are made to provide access to improved health care, especially in rural areas near Pune. Vaccine trials reach the most underprivileged populations, bringing them a service that would be otherwise unaffordable or inaccessible. KEMHRC addresses the needs of vulnerable, hard-to-reach tribals in remote areas through training, capacity building, infrastructure support, health care, and nutrition interventions.

Trying to uplift the lives of people through vocational training is also a major focus area and KEMHRC conducts several vocational courses to empower underprivileged women in rural areas; teaching these women new skills helps make them independent earning members of society.

A three-tier system comprising the Board of Trustees, General Body, and Management Committee monitors the activities of KEMHRC. The Scientific Advisory Committee, consisting of nationally and internationally-renowned scientists, critically evaluates the progress of various scientific projects. Since April 2003 the Centre has its own Institutional Ethics Committee, established as per ICMR guidelines.

Well-appointed, with a team of committed researchers and dedicated health workers, the Centre has EDP facilities, a 100-seater air-conditioned auditorium, two conference halls, and vehicles for field work. Its publications include an Annual Report featuring relevant information on ongoing research projects; a bi-annual newsletter; and regular contributions to international and peer reviewed journals.

Over the years, KEMHRC has established itself as a leading research institute, gaining recognition and respect from institutions of national importance as well as prominent international agencies. Rooted locally yet connected globally, the Centre offers its collaborators unrivalled longitudinal and cross-sectional datasets, proven trial infrastructure and a culture of open science—an unparalleled foundation for predictive modelling, product development and evidence-based policy.

KEMHRC’s commendable research work has made a significant contribution to the field of medical research, bringing hope and healing to millions of people, and influencing healthcare policies worldwide. The Centre’s commitment to research and service has made it an asset, not only to the KEM Hospital and the medical community, but to society at large.