The Department of Microbiology, University of Pune was established in 1977 and is now recognized as the Centre of Excellence in Microbiology in terms of teaching and research. Quite a few students have completed the Doctoral program from the Department. Here are a few highlights of the department as shared by a friend who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. there

• The alumni of the Department occupy positions of great responsibility in different Institutions in India such as the Institute of Microbial Technology Chandigarh, National Institute of Virology Pune, etc. They are also associated with foreign Universities and Institutes such as Harvard Medical School USA, Max Planck Institute Germany, etc
• The department has many ongoing research activities, and a number of projects are funded by agencies such as BRNS (DAE), UGC, CSIR, DBT, DST, DAE, ISRO, ICAR.
• Till now the department has produced 50 doctorates.
• Some major collaborators in the research at the Department include BARC Mumbai, Serum Institute of India Ltd., Haffkine Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Vasantdada Sugar Institute, etc 
• The Department has excellent infrastructure for teaching and research. There are two M. Sc. laboratories, three research laboratories, three central instrument rooms, two classrooms, one seminar Hall and a Conference Hall.
•  The Department has an E-classroom that offers live lectures of the faculty to 30 different outlets simultaneously.
•  The Department houses, advanced instruments such as HPLC, GC, Gel-Doc system, Fermenters, High-speed refrigerated centrifuges, laminar air flow stations, etc
• The departmental Library is well-stocked with more than 1000 subject-related books. 
• The Department regularly conducts research talks and seminars and also offers Consultancy services.
• The faculty of the department are actively involved in outreach activities.

Overall, pursuing a PhD from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will be a great experience.