A due recognition

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.