‘The aim is to create an affordable, real-world solution for patients’

When most of his peers expected him to open a pharmacy in his hometown near Pataudi, Haryana, Pankaj (Batch 2015–19, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University) decided to dream bigger. Today, he is a Research Scholar at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, where his work focuses on developing a cost-effective biosensor for early oral cancer detection. In this insightful conversation, he shares how his journey unfolded and what future pharmacy aspirants can learn from his experience.

Read edited excerpts:

What inspired you to pursue higher education instead of opening a pharmacy after graduation?

I felt life had much more to offer. I wanted to explore research, so I took a year off for GPAT coaching. Though I qualified for GPAT 2020 and NIPER 2020, I couldn’t secure a seat then. Instead of giving up, I pursued my Master’s in Pharmaceutics at Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar. Yet, the question “Why not NIPER?” kept pushing me forward. Finally, in 2022, I cracked NIPER JEE and secured admission for my PhD at NIPER Ahmedabad.

Why did you switch your specialisation from Pharmaceutics to Medical Devices during your PhD?

I wanted to explore an emerging interdisciplinary field. At NIPER, I work on healthcare diagnostics, specifically developing a novel, low-cost biosensor using cotton thread as an electrode substrate. Modified with nanomaterials and polymers, this device can detect oral cancer early using saliva samples. The aim is to create an affordable, real-world solution for patients.

What challenges and rewards have you experienced as a research scholar?

The challenges are plenty – managing multiple projects, drafting proposals, learning new concepts, and meeting strict deadlines. But the rewards like publishing research papers, receiving conference awards, and hearing appreciation from experts balance it out. Each success makes the journey worthwhile.

How do you see the pharmaceutical industry evolving?

Two things will shape the future: stronger industry–academia collaboration and continuous skill upgradation. Emerging fields like nanomedicine, personalised medicine, gene therapy, and telepharmacy will drive innovation. Today, pharma graduates must also learn AI tools, regulatory guidelines, and data handling.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to pursue research?

First, target national research institutes and connect with faculty whose work inspires you. Second, stay motivated and focused, research is a long road. And importantly, qualify national exams like GPAT, NIPER, or CSIR-NET/JRF. Scholarships ease financial burdens and allow you to focus fully on research.