UPES Scholar Reema Rawat Wins Prestigious FABA Young Innovator Award for Cancer Diagnostic Breakthrough
DEHRADUN – In a significant boost for affordable healthcare technology, Reema Rawat, a PhD scholar at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), has been honored with the Natco Pharma-sponsored Dr. Yellapragada Subba Rao FABA Young Innovator Award 2024.
The prestigious accolade, presented at the University of Hyderabad by the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA), recognizes Rawat’s pioneering work in developing a portable cervical cancer screening device. Along with the title, she was awarded a cash prize of ₹5 lakh to support her ongoing research.
A Game-Changer for Early Detection
Working under the mentorship of Dr. Ashish Mathur at the School of Health Sciences & Technology, Rawat’s research focuses on the detection of HPV-16, a high-risk biomarker responsible for a vast majority of cervical cancer cases.
The innovation centers on a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor integrated into a miniaturized, user-friendly platform. Unlike traditional laboratory-based testing, which can be expensive and time-consuming, Rawat’s device is designed for point-of-care (POC) use.
Impact on Global Health
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women globally, particularly in underserved regions where access to regular screenings like Pap smears is limited. Rawat’s device offers a solution that is:
- Cost-effective: Reducing the financial barrier to regular testing.
- Portable: Easily deployable in rural and resource-limited clinics.
- Reliable: Trials have shown a strong correlation with clinical data, providing lab-grade accuracy in a handheld format.
The Path Forward
The development of this patented device marks a critical step toward reducing cervical cancer mortality rates through early intervention. By making screening as accessible as a blood glucose test, the technology empowers healthcare providers to catch the disease in its most treatable stages.
"This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the supportive research ecosystem at UPES," Rawat’s department noted. "Her work exemplifies the 'University of Tomorrow' spirit—using technology to solve the most pressing challenges of humanity."
About FABA: The Federation of Asian Biotech Associations is a non-profit organization that provides a platform for academy-industry interaction, promoting biotechnology and life sciences across Asia
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