Page 186 - CW E-Magazine (3-10-2023)

Interview Interview

 The proposals are evaluated by a profound effect that acknowledgement but also establish enduring partner- India’s enthusiastic involvement is and medicines, and to new ways to their work yields immediate practical
panel of eminent scientists based can have on shaping scientifi c careers. ships with these talents, fostering particularly noteworthy. The nation’s diagnose and treat diseases. Research in results or lays the groundwork for
on four criteria: originality, inno- The award further fuels their pursuit mutual advancement and the ongoing growing community of young scien- renewable energy has led to the deve- future potential.
vation, scalability, and the poten- of greater achievements, serving as a development of the scientifi c commu- tists showcases a dedicated commit- lopment of new technologies that can
tial impact on the well-being of driving force towards success. nity. ment to innovative research with generate electricity from solar, wind, In your experience, are the research
humanity. practical, real-world applications. and other sources. emphasis in India different from the
 The top applicants are invited to Till now, the programme has suc- Mr. Dhananjay Singh: The award Such active participation highlights rest of the world?
present their research to the panel cessfully recognized the contributions has had a signifi cant impact on bol- the award’s close ties to the Indian This evolution in research focus
of judges. of 25 young researchers in the past two stering the contributions of recipients scientifi c community and exemplifi es underscores the dynamic nature of Mr. Dhananjay Singh: India is
 The judges then select the winners editions, who are pushing the bounda- within the scientifi c community. The the nation’s unwavering dedication to scientifi c inquiry, adapting to meet the one of the world’s fastest-expanding
and honourable mentions. ries of scientifi c research and for their award confers the winners with fi nan- making signifi cant contributions to re- complex demands of our ever-chang- research centres. The pandemic has
outstanding achievements. Their career cial support of Rs. 2.5-lakh (about search. ing world. shifted the global perspective, plac-
The panel of judges is composed growth trajectory is a testament to the US$3,000) as a research grant and ing a stronger emphasis on research
of leading scientists from India and fact that this recognition has played a a travel grant of Rs. 1-lakh (about Can you see some trends in the Dr. Anurag Agrawal: India has and development than ever before.
around the world. They are chosen for crucial role in shaping their career. US$1,500). The honourable mentions focus areas of researchers over the a strong tradition of collaborative re- This increased emphasis on research
their expertise in the fields of bio- are supported with a fi nancial support years? Have these changed with the search with a global network of sci- has attracted substantial investments
logical sciences, chemical sciences, Being a part of the jury, at times it of Rs. 1-lakh (about US$1,500) to times and stayed relevant? entists, contributing to international and is contributing to the expansion
and sustainability research. gets diffi cult to select the winners be- support their research. projects and scientifi c advancements. of biotech sector research, including
cause every individual has a potential Mr. Dhananjay Singh: India’s However, challenges like limited the development of domestic vac-
The selection process is designed in his/her own way. And it is always a Q4: How has the number and qua- research focus has evolved over time to funding, infrastructure, and disparities cines. Today, there is evidence of
to be fair and im- lity of the nomi- refl ect the changing needs and aspira- in research quality across institutions active participation in some of the
partial. The goal “India’s research environment also places nations changed tions of society. most cutting-edge
is to identify the over the years? In the past, re- “Our aim is to honour researchers who exhibit areas of scientifi c
most promising considerable importance on sectors such as search was of- inquiry. However,
young scientists in agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy, Mr. Dhananjay ten centred on excellence, regardless of whether their work corporations, aca-
India and to pro- owing to the nation’s specifi c requirements” Singh: Since the basic scientifi c yields immediate practical results or lays the demics, and scien-
vide them with the inauguration of the exploration and groundwork for future potential” tists must col-
support they need fi rst India Chapter understanding laborate to place a
to continue their research and make a great experience to go through the re- of the Merck Young Scientist Award of the natural higher emphasis on
difference in the world. search they submit and the knowledge programme in December 2019, India world. However, as we have pro- still persist, setting India’s research evidence-based research and analytics.
they bring in. has consistently demonstrated remark- gressed into the contemporary era, emphasis apart in terms of its diverse This coordinated endeavour will aid in
Can you comment on some of the able enthusiasm. This has been refl ected research has focused increasingly on and dynamic nature. As we navigate disaster preparedness and the esta-
past winners and how their career Some of the few notable past in the annual response from the Indian tackling important societal concerns the intricate landscape of biosciences blishment of fl exible global supply
paths have benefi tted from the winners are: scientifi c community, with more than such as poverty, hunger, disease, and and health research, the ability to anti- networks capable of delivering quickly
award? 1. Dr. Siddhesh S. Kamat, for bio- 500 applications received each year climate change. cipate trends, integrate technology, during crucial times.
logical sciences at the Indian from over 1,000 institutes across the and drive research with tangible
Dr. Anurag Agrawal: Merck Institute of Science Education and nation. The programme’s inaugural While advanced scientifi c domains outcomes are the guiding lights for How has Merck benefitted from
Young Scientist Award has played a Research, Pune, embodies the year set a strong standard. Subsequent such as information technology, bio- aspiring scientists. these awards? Does the company
pivotal role in enhancing the winner’s fusion of passion and recognition. chapters of the programme witnessed a technology, and space exploration are stay engaged with the award
contributions within the scientifi c 2. Dr. Kanishka Biswas, acclaimed growing interest, reaffi rming India’s receiving increased attention, India’s Do the awards look to recognize winners after they have received
community. They now have a distinct for his contributions to chemical dedication to nurturing scientific research environment also places con- application-oriented research or the award?
sense of credibility and prominence, sciences at the Jawaharlal Nehru excellence. siderable importance on sectors such basic (blue-sky) research?
which has led to opportunities for Centre for Advanced Scientifi c as agriculture, healthcare, and renew- Mr. Dhananjay Singh: Merck’s
fruitful partnerships, fi nancial support, Research, Bengaluru. Dr. Anurag Agrawal: We have able energy, owing to the nation’s Dr. Anurag Agrawal: The award continued engagement with award
and uncharted research directions. 3. Dr. Debojyoti Chakraborthy, a witnessed a consistent infl ux of nomi- specifi c requirements. For example, creates a synergy between both ap- winners refl ects its dedication to fos-
The impact of recognition on exceptional trailblazer in COVID research nations over these years. There has research in agriculture has led to the plication-oriented and basic (blue- tering the growth and success of these
individuals is exemplifi ed through at the Institute of Genomics and been an active participation from the development of new crop varieties that sky) research. We recognize that both young scientists beyond the initial
their journeys post-receiving prestigi- Integrative Biology, New Delhi. country’s dynamic scientifi c commu- are more resistant to pests and diseases, pathways play substantial roles in ad- recognition. This collaborative approach
ous awards. Their post-award jour- nity, showcasing a keen interest in and that can be grown in harsh con- vancing scientifi c understanding. Our can lead to mutually benefi cial out-
neys are not only captivating, but also In essence, these awards not only this recognition. In contrast, although ditions. Research in healthcare has led aim is to honour researchers who ex- comes for both the award recipients
highly motivating, demonstrating the aid in identifying pioneering research the global response is commendable, to the development of new vaccines hibit excellence, regardless of whether and the company.

186 Chemical Weekly October 3, 2023 Chemical Weekly October 3, 2023 187

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