MYSURU: Exhorting scientists to indulge in research that would make a difference to the society, director of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) Jitendra J Jadhav on Friday said that paper publication alone was not the ‘be all and end all’ of research.
Jadhav, who was attending the CFTRI’s symposium on ‘Advances in Biological Research’, said, “Although research is extensive in India, when it comes to its impact on society, the nation is lagging behind.”
Lamenting the failure of research institutes in India to solve some of the country’s basic problems, he added, “Various institutes are working for the development of the country, and the people. However, we fail to solve the basic issues faced by the common man.”
Urging young researchers to locate problem areas crying for a solution, Jadhav said, “There are a lot of simple problems such as animals venturing into human habitats, waste management, and sea waste management.”
Pointing to the broad scope of research in the life sciences, he added, “India is gearing up to make an impact the world over in life sciences. Biotechnology and life science researchers play a key role in the growth of the country.”
Calling on researchers to seek out entrepreneurial opportunities, chief scientist and advisor at CSIR-CFTRI R Subramanian pointed out that both the central and state governments were working towards ensuring a conducive environment for startups in the country.
“Many individuals have obtained required material from CFTRI, and other research institutes, through Transfer Of Technology (TOT) and have established successful businesses,” Subramanian said.
Chairman of the department of studies in biochemistry at University of Mysore (UoM) Prof. K Kemparaju, who delivered the plenary lecture on ‘Exploring Neutrophils: The Sentinels of Innate Immunity’, said, “Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, gangrene, cancer and cardiovascular disorders can be kept at bay through one’s food habits.”
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research is essential for innovation and improvement, also requires to produce some outcome time to time.
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Endorsing the observation, superintendent of Apollo Hospital Dr Anjali Arun, who spoke on ‘Research in human subjects, ethical aspects, limitations and opportunities’, said, “Lifestyle diseases are alarmingly high nowadays. Youngsters aged between 20 and 30 are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and cancer, which is a disturbing trend.”
Referring patients of today as ‘Google Patients’, Dr Anjali added, “They are well informed because of the access to information related to all ailments on Google. On the other hand, we also have patients who repose faith in the doctor, and expect the latter to take a call.”