BHU Biochemistry receives Rs 50 lakh alumni support for scholarships and research grants

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is set to receive a donation of around Rs 50 lakh to introduce scholarships and research grants for postgraduate and PhD students in its Department of Biochemistry. The contribution, equivalent to USD 60,000, is aimed at supporting students and strengthening research activities within the Institute of Science.

The university has signed an agreement with the BHU America Foundation, along with noted scientists Nirbhay Kumar and Geetha Bansal. The initiative is expected to provide financial support to deserving students while also encouraging a stronger focus on academic and research excellence.

As part of the plan, an initial Rs 25 lakh will be used to offer five merit-cum-means scholarships of Rs 25,000 per year to second-year M.Sc. Biochemistry students starting in 2026. Another Rs 25 lakh will be released in 2027 to fund more scholarships and research grants for postgraduate and PhD scholars, based on their academic performance and quality of research work.

BHU scholarship support to boost research and student opportunities

The scholarships are aimed at helping students who show strong academic potential but may need financial assistance to continue their studies. By linking support to both merit and need, the programme seeks to ensure that capable students are not held back due to financial constraints.

Alongside financial aid, the initiative will also provide research grants to students who publish quality work in reputed journals. This is expected to encourage a stronger research culture within the department and motivate students to aim for higher academic standards.

BHU highlights role of alumni in strengthening academics

Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi emphasised the importance of strengthening engagement with alumni and donors across the university. He suggested that departments should put in place structured systems to stay connected with contributors and share yearly updates on how their support is helping students and raising academic standards.

He also noted that capturing student experiences through testimonials and digital content can clearly demonstrate the impact of such contributions and encourage others to come forward. He added that this initiative by distinguished alumni would significantly boost postgraduate education and research in the Department of Biochemistry.

BHU partnership backed by experienced global scientists

Speaking on the donation, alumnus Nirbhay Kumar said the intention is to help talented students achieve academic excellence. A noted malaria researcher, he has contributed to work on transmission-blocking vaccine strategies and has held senior positions at institutions such as Tulane University, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University.

The other donor, Geetha Bansal, brings extensive experience in biomedical research, intellectual property, and global health programmes. She has served in leadership roles at organisations including MedImmune Inc., the US Patent and Trademark Office, the National Institutes of Health, and Tulane University.

BHU faculty and officials welcome the initiative

Sanjay Kumar thanked both donors for their support, saying it would play an important role in nurturing academic talent and promoting high-quality research among students. R K Singh also underlined the value of alumni contributions in the department’s growth and pointed to its steady progress in research output and publications.

Arvind Jain from the BHU America Foundation spoke about his long-standing personal connection with the university, noting that his family has been associated with BHU for several decades. The US-based charitable foundation supports BHU through contributions from well-wishers across the United States.