• 2023: KEMHRC – An ICMR CCoE
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body for formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research in India. It aims to foster an enabling and sustainable ecosystem for collaborative, multidisciplinary biomedical research in the country. In June 2023, ICMR invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for recognition of ICMR- Collaborating Centre of Excellence (CCoE). The purpose was to recognise research groups that have conducted excellent research in the recent past as ICMR Collaborating Centres of Excellence. The idea was to foster collaboration between ICMR and its institutes and Centres of Excellence, as well as amongst the various Centres of Excellence. The initiative hoped to strengthen the country’s resources in terms of information, services, research and training in support of national health development. On behalf of KEM Hospital Research Centre (KEMHRC), Dr. Ashish Bavdekar (Principal Investigator) applied for this call along with Dr. Anand Kawade and Dr. Girish Dayma (Co-Investigators). On 18th September 2024, ICMR formally acknowledged KEMHRC as an ICMR-CCoE in recognition of its commendable achievement and outstanding contributions to biomedical research that aligns with the objectives of ICMR. Valid for five yers (extendable based on review), the recognition does not onclude any financial support.
On 4th November 2023, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research, presented a memento to Dr. Anand Kawade, Head of the Vadu Rural Health Programme (VRHP), and Dr. Girish Dayma, Head of the Community Health Research Unit (CHRU), acknowledging their outstanding work in alignment with the Council’s objectives.
The first meeting of the 25 CCoE selected from across the country was conducted on 4th November 2023. The expectations and functioning of the CCoE were discussed, and the CCoEs were requested to introduce their areas of expertise, which could be leveraged to achieve the overall objectives of the CCoE. KEMHRC indicated its interest in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Vaccine Trials, Implementation Research, Studies in Nutrition and Micronutrient Deficiency, HDSS, Digital Health, and NCD & Social Science Studies.
• 2019: March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award
Dr. Chittaranjan S. Yajnik and Dr. Caroline Fall were honoured with the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award for pioneering research in Maternal-Foetal Nutrition and its Short- and Long-term Impact on Child Health. Their independent and collaborative work contributed to the understanding of how a mother’s diet affects foetal development, which can impact a child’s health at birth and also increase the child’s risk of diabetes and
cardiovascular disease in the future.
• 2013: Clinical Development Services Agency (cdsa): Selection as Centre of Excellence
• 2011: David Barker Medal of Excellence: Dr. Chittaranjan Yajnik
• 2010: The Government of India’s Ministry of Science & Technology, Department  of Biotechnology recognised KEMHRC for the ‘Establishment of the Core Vaccine Research Unit (CVRU)’ at the Department of Paediatrics, KEM Hospital, Pune’.
• 2006: Dr. Anand N. Pandit, senior paediatrician, was conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London on 5th April 2006.As Director of Paediatrics at the KEM Hospital, Pune, Dr. Pandit created a specialist unit for liver disease, a multi-disciplinary centre for childhood disability, a level 3 neonatal unit, and a paediatric ICU. His research of international standing on Indian childhood cirrhosis (ICC) led to the virtual eradication of the disease. The developmental origins of adult disease (DOHaD) studies were the first in India to link impaired intra-uterine growth to later metabolic syndrome.
• 2000: KEMHRC was recognised as the topmost Collaborating Training Institute (CTI) by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare.
• 1988: KEMHRC was recognised as an ICMR Centre of National Importance.