3 Dr DY Patil Medical College Scientists recognised in Stanford University 2026 world's top 2% Scientists list
Pune: Three scientists from Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, have been recognised among the world's top 2 % scientists in the prestigious database curated by Professor John P.A. Ioannidis of Stanford University, in collaboration with the Elsevier Data Repository.
Two faculty members, Dr. Sarika Chaturvedi, Senior Scientist and Dr. Sachin Atre, Senior Scientist and Adjunct Faculty at Department of Community Medicine, have been featured in the 2026 Top 2% global scientists list, while Dr. Amitav Banerjee, Professor of Community Medicine, has been recognised in Stanford’s career-long Top 2% global scientists list. This remarkable recognition highlights the institution’s commitment to world-class research and its contributions to global health.
Dr. Amitav Banerjee, recognised in Stanford’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists for career-long research contributions, has an illustrious research career spanning over four decades. His extensive body of work includes significant investigations into epidemics such as typhoid, hepatitis, respiratory infections and pneumonia. His inclusion in Stanford’s career-long list reflects his sustained contributions to epidemiology, particularly in the areas of tribal malaria and viral hepatitis, for which he has received prestigious awards and recognition.
His pioneering contributions to research methodology, population studies and sampling methodologies have also received widespread academic recognition, with his work garnering significant citations. From 2000 to 2004, Dr. Banerjee led the Mobile Epidemic Investigation Team of the Indian Armed Forces. Following his voluntary transition from the Armed Forces in 2005, he joined Dr DY Patil Medical College as a Professor. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, and Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Journal of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. He has also served as Academic Editor of PLOS ONE.
Among the notable figures recognized in the Stanford list is the accomplished young scientist, Dr. Sarika Chaturvedi, who holds a PhD from the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Dr. Sarika's research endeavours are primarily concentrated on public health and traditional medicine. She is mentored by Professor Bhushan Patwardhan, also a senior scientist featured on the Stanford list.
The majority of her highly cited work stems from her diligent contributions to the public healthcare system, focusing on the assessment of disease burdens and estimates of disease risk factors. Her work delves into identifying populations at risk of diseases and their geographical distribution, historical alterations and future predictions. Dr. Sarika’s recent studies include randomised controlled trials to assess traditional medicine interventions for public health. One of her studies pertains to the effect of the Government of India's Common Yoga Protocol on brain functions in adults,’. Additionally, Dr. Sarika is currently serving a a fellow on the Lancet Citizens Commission to Reimagine India's Health System. And works closely with the WHO’s global Traditional Medicine Centre.
Dr. Sachin Atre, a medical anthropologist with over two decades of research experience in public health, has also earned a place in the esteemed Stanford list. Dr. Atre received his Ph.D. from the University of Pune and was honoured with the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Postdoc Fellowship at Harvard Medical School in the USA. His significant contributions span research on tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis, as well as nutrition, diabetes, leprosy and access to medicines. He serves as an invited reviewer for The Lancet and Lancet group of journals and holds the role of an academic editor for PLOS Global Public Health. He has worked for World Health Organization (WHO), as a technical consultant for Global TB Program. Dr. Atre has an impressive portfolio with 80 publications, accumulating over 52,000 citations in SCOPUS. He has initiated collaborations with world renowned institutes like Harvard University, USA; Oxford University, UK; McGill University, Canada and University Of Cape Town, South Africa.
Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “We are proud of our scientists and their contributions to research and public health. Dr. Amitav Banerjee’s work in epidemiology, Dr. Sarika Chaturvedi’s contributions to public health and indigenous medicine, and Dr. Sachin Atre’s research in tuberculosis and community health reflect our commitment to meaningful research. Their achievements will inspire young researchers to address important health challenges in India and globally.”
Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, remarked, “The achievements of our scientists make us proud and reflect our commitment to research and academic excellence. Their work highlights the importance of asking the right questions, exploring new ideas and finding solutions to real-world healthcare challenges. It also sets an example for our students and faculty, encouraging them to pursue research that benefits communities and contributes to better health outcomes in India and across the world.”
Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasure of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, remarked, “The recognition of our scientists in Stanford’s list of the world’s top 2% of researchers is a proud moment for our institution. It reflects the research culture we have nurtured over the years and the dedication of our faculty to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. This recognition further motivates us to support meaningful research and create more opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to scientific progress.”
Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, expressed her pride in the institution’s accomplishment, stating, “This recognition reflects the importance we place on research and academic excellence at Dr D. Y. Patil Medical College. We have always encouraged our faculty and students to explore new ideas, write research articles and contribute to studies that can improve healthcare and address important health challenges.
The presence of renowned scientists at our institution has been a great source of inspiration for our postgraduate students, encouraging them to develop a research-oriented approach and pursue academic excellence. We are particularly proud that 44 of our postgraduate students have received ICMR-DHR research grants, reflecting our commitment to nurturing young researchers and promoting a strong research culture. We are proud of our scientists and their achievements, which bring recognition to the institution and inspire others to pursue research with dedication and purpose.”
