Her outstanding work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (in Medical Science), S. Ramachandran National Bioscience Award
Dr. Bushra Ateeq is a leading cancer biologist and molecular oncologist. She is currently a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
Dr. Ateeq’s passion for biology was evident from her high school years, which led her to pursue higher education in genetics. After earning her PhD in this field, she engaged in postdoctoral research at several prestigious institutions, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the National Institute of Immunology (NII).
She continued her research at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and later at the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology at the University of Michigan, where she also served as a Research Investigator (Junior Faculty). In February 2013, she joined IIT Kanpur, where she has played a key role in advancing cancer research.
Dr. Ateeq was honored with the Grihshobha Inspire Award, and her writing and research have earned her numerous accolades.
Dr. Ateeq’s research focuses on understanding genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer. Her work has led to significant discoveries in molecular characterization and potential therapeutic targets. Her research has been published in various prestigious medical journals and continues to receive recognition.
She has made vital contributions in identifying biomarkers for prostate cancer, which has helped improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Prostate cancer is increasingly affecting men over the age of 50 in India, and alarmingly, it is now also being seen in men as young as 30, largely due to lifestyle disorders. Only about 2–3% of cases are due to genetic reasons.
According to Dr. Ateeq, early detection, along with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and symptom-based monitoring, can help in managing the condition effectively.
Dr. Ateeq’s commitment to translational research helps bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, offering hope for better management and treatment of cancer patients
Awards and Honors:
Her outstanding work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including:
A True Inspiration:
Dr. Bushra Ateeq is an inspiration in many ways. Her research spans areas such as:
Her work emphasizes the molecular changes and biomarkers that contribute to the progression of these cancers.
In her own words:
“Our lab aims to discover targets for anti-cancer therapies. Identifying these targets is crucial because early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.”