• A: As lucrative career options such as information technology and management continue to entice India’s brightest, pure sciences, unfortunately, is taking a back seat. This has become a great concern for academicians and scientists. However, without science there can be no technology as all technological development is based on science.

The paucity of scientists can affect the quality of our research and development as most industries are knowledge-based and need highly qualified people. Many industries are on the lookout for professionals with a background in pure sciences. Even science graduates are being absorbed in the industry along with engineering degree holders simply because there aren’t enough postgraduates in science.

The number of ME / MTechs and PhDs in China is ten times more than in India which explains why so many products are coming out of that country and why they are accepted in the international market.

If earning money at an early stage is the main reason for not pursuing higher studies, the situation is not as grim as it appears to be. The new Pay Commission has mooted an increase in salaries of lecturers and professors in all academic institutions of higher learning.

The industry is also investing in research laboratories as can be seen in the pharmaceutical industry. So I would suggest that if you are keen on pursuing your higher studies in chemistry, just go for it without thinking twice. You will soon be able to reap the rewards of your efforts.

Reap success in research

• Q: I am in my final year of MSc in biotechnology. I am confused whether I should do a PhD or an MBA. Are the prospects not good in research?

—Simran Gauhar

• A: There are vast opportunities in biotechnology, particularly for those who have specialised in areas like clinical research and manufacturing, field testing of GM crops, regulatory affairs such as IPR and biosafety, consultancy for business planning and global collaborations. The need for trained manpower in biotechnology has increased as the industry has grown 35 per cent in the last four years. Our pool of qualified scientific researchers and the largest number of USFDA approved plants outside the US, would also help us grab a large chunk of the $100 billion contract manufacturing and research pie which is expected to grow manifold in the coming decade

Science grads take your pick

• Q: I am a final year student of BSc (physics). It will not be possible for me to pursue higher studies due to family constraints. Can you give me an overview of the jobs available to physics graduates?

—Naman Dutt

• A: Besides opting for postgraduate studies in pure and applied sciences, science graduates can take up any of the following professions.

You can become a schoolteacher after doing a BEd. To teach at the high school level, you need an MSc in the subject in addition to a BEd.

The work of a laboratory assistant, alternatively known as a lab technician or demonstrator, essentially revolves around taking care of the laboratory and its equipment. Laboratory assistants arrange the instruments and apparatus for various experiments to be conducted in the lab. They also clean and store scientific apparatus, equipment and examine slides.

A scientific assistant works under a scientist and may have responsibilities like routine readings of instruments, scanning books, Internet and journals for reference material and compiling notes.

Science graduates are eligible to apply for the posts of forester and forest ranger.

Science graduates and postgraduates who meet the prescribed physical and medical requirements after clearing the entrance tests are eligible for appointment in the army, navy and air force and in the defence science services.

Science graduates are specially suited for sales of commercial products like pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments and biotechnology products.

Many industrial undertakings recruit science graduates for paid apprenticeship in the chemical, mechanical or other relevant engineering departments.

Some business houses employ science graduates as management trainees on the basis of a selection test and interview.