Hyderabad-based research scientist Dr Prathama S. Mainkar bagged the OPPI Woman Scientist Award
Taking inspiration from Marie Curie’s life,
Hyderabad based Dr Prathama S. Mainkar has dedicated her life to research. She
is the Senior
Principal Scientist of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
and was recently awarded the Woman Scientist Award by the Organisation of
Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI).
OPPI represents research-based pharmaceutical
companies in India and has been appreciating work done in the pharma field
since 1965. This recognition is bestowed on her for the remarkable
contributions made to the pharmaceutical industry, both in early drug discovery
and process development for generics.
Dr Prathama ventured into the field of
research in 1996 and has worked in various capacities like early drug
discovery, expertise in catalysis, organometallic chemistry and organic
chemistry. Her contributions include identification of new chemical entities
for treatment of cancer, tuberculosis and CNS related diseases. “My first tryst with pharmaceuticals was as a
kid, when my father bought me Marie Curie’s biography. After reading it, I knew
this was it for me — I would enter the field of research,” she says.
Dr Prathama has done her schooling and
professional training from Hyderabad. “I am a complete Hyderabadi and have done
all my studies here. Even my PhD on ‘Synthesis of some biologically active
compounds’ was done here,” she shares.
According to her, one should be open to take
up challenges in the field. “There would be challenges and one should face it
sportively. There are no shortcuts in our field. Everyone needs drugs; it is an
industry which is never going to die. As long as human race is alive, drugs
will be an integral part of our life. In order to get a drug out for public
usage, it takes 10-12 years of hard work and approvals,” she adds.
There are not many women research scientists
in India. Dr Prathama points out the probable reason, “Sometimes, parents don’t
allow it as one has to work really hard for several years and people these days
are not that patient. Somewhere in between studies and research, people get
married and things post marriage may not work accordingly.”
But it’s not just work all the time for Dr
Prathama. She enjoys reading and listening to music when she is not busy with
her research.
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