Bimlesh Lochab the Professor, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NC is the Chief Executive member of Sustainability Forum in Asian Polymer Association (APA). She was awarded for outstanding achievements "Distinguished alumna award 2020", Maitreyi College, University of Delhi. She is also a Member of National Advisory Committee, Asian Polymer Association (APA). She has been awarded CRSI (Chemical Research Society of India) Bronze Award 2021 for outstanding achievements in research in National Symposium in Chemistry (NSC-27).

What are the diverse career opportunities available to chemistry graduates in India and around the world, and how do these pathways vary across industries and regions?

Chemistry graduates can choose from a variety of jobs in India and around the world, from Industry to academic places to Research labs. UG and PG courses must have a research component, where experiential learning and kinesthetic learning could be added to the course structure to enable readiness for job not only today but also in the future.

Career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry encompass drug development, quality control, regulatory affairs, and research and development (R&D). In the chemical manufacturing and paint (polymer) industry, job roles include process engineering, production management, and safety and environmental compliance.

In the field of environmental science, opportunities exist in environmental consulting, pollution control, waste management, and sustainability initiatives. Within academia and research, career paths involve teaching, conducting research, and publishing papers.

The food and beverage industry offers positions in quality assurance, product development, and food safety management. For the cosmetics and personal care sector, career options include product formulation, marketing, and regulatory affairs.

In forensic science, job roles include crime lab analysis, toxicology, and evidence examination. Lastly, in the field of nanotechnology, opportunities focus on research and development in materials science, electronics, and biomedical applications. In the energy sector, career prospects include research in renewable energy, oil and gas exploration, and the development of materials for batteries and fuel cells.

Global job landscape evolves continuously, chemistry graduates must remain adaptable and proactive in acquiring skills that align with industry trends and regional demands to capitalize on diverse career opportunities.

What are the primary industries in India that employ chemistry graduates, and how is the demand for chemists evolving in these sectors?

In India's chemical sectors, the need for chemists is changing from conventional jobs in production and manufacturing to more specialized positions in R&D, sustainability, and legal compliance. Chemists with a variety of skill sets are in greater demand due to the development of digital technologies, sustainable practices, and advancements in chemistry-related industries, especially in the pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, green chemistry, and renewable energy sectors.

A degree of chemistry with an edge with MBA/Patenting/English/Computational/Biology/Law etc. is always better for those who are looking for different workspace.

How do career opportunities for chemists in India differ from global trends? Are there any specific areas where India excels or lags behind?

India offers strong career opportunities for chemists in specific sectors like generics, agrochemicals, and traditional formulations, but the country still has room to grow in cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and digitalization compared to global trends.

India is known as the "Pharmacy of the World" due to its dominance in the production of generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Indian chemists are heavily involved in the formulation and production of generics, as well as in the scaling up of drug production.  However, India lags in innovative drug discovery compared to global pharmaceutical hubs like the USA, Europe, and Japan. The present focus of our Indian companies is more on reverse engineering and generics rather than on novel drug discovery and development, which limits R&D opportunities compared to the global market.

India is a major producer and exporter of agrochemicals, with a strong domestic market due to its agricultural economy. Presently, the key roles are in the formulation, testing, and development of fertilizers and pesticides, and the country has significant expertise in this field. India lags in the development of advanced, environmentally friendly agrochemicals. While global companies are moving towards biopesticides and sustainable crop solutions, Indian firms are more focused on traditional chemical products.

In energy sector, there are way to go from in-house developed materials and technology. Currently we are into assembling parts rather the bringing lab to the industry or vice versa. This requires a bridge and it appears the government is channelizing this with policies which will really bring Built/Make in India to some prestigious level.

How is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) impacting chemical research and industry, and what skills do chemists need to acquire to stay relevant in this new paradigm?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming chemical research and industry by optimizing processes, accelerating discovery, and enabling more efficient analysis of large datasets. These modern ways are reshaping the chemical industry and research by making processes more efficient, reducing the time to discovery, and optimizing manufacturing. To remain relevant in this new paradigm, chemists must acquire skills in data science, computational chemistry, and programming, while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional and upcoming chemistry knowledge. These technologies are redefining how chemists approach problem-solving, from drug discovery to materials science, creating a new paradigm where traditional experimental methods can be/are augmented by computational tools. Currently, companies like BASF and Dow Chemical are integrating AI-driven process optimization to reduce energy consumption and improve production with minimizing energy demands.

The pharmaceutical sector is a major employer of chemists in India. How are recent trends in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and biosimilars shaping the future career landscape for chemists in the country?

The pharmaceutical sector in India is experiencing dynamic changes driven by trends in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and biosimilars. These trends are reshaping the career landscape for chemists, creating diverse opportunities in research, clinical applications, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs. As the industry evolves, chemists must adapt by acquiring interdisciplinary skills, staying abreast of technological advancements, and understanding regulatory requirements to thrive in this competitive environment. The future for chemists in the pharmaceutical sector is very promising, with significant potential for innovation and career growth.

How does India’s position as a global pharmaceutical hub influence the skill sets and expertise required of chemists entering this field?

India’s pharmaceutical industry is evolving, and as it invests more in R&D and cutting-edge therapies, the demand for skilled chemists will continue to grow. I hope the next decade will be of Chemists.

However, the industry must overcome challenges such as regulatory complexities and the need for more innovative drug discovery to fully capitalize on these emerging trends. Otherwise, we will always be doers for others.

Additionally, the increasing emphasis on green chemistry and processing, automation, and digitalization is pushing chemists to acquire new skills that align with global trends in sustainability and technology. Replacement of big plants with miniaturized processes – flow chemistry, mechanochemical synthesis, solvent/catalyst-free synthesis, etc. will lead to waste minimization, space utilization, job betterment and a clean environment.

What are the key differences in career progression, opportunities, and challenges between working in academia versus the chemical industry in India?

Both these sectors have unique rewards and challenges, and the decision largely depends on whether one prefers the intellectual freedom of academia or the practical, results-oriented nature of industry work. In India, the choice between a career in academia and the chemical industry depends on an individual’s long-term goals, interests, and desired work environment.

Academia offers a research-focused path with more autonomy, but often comes with slower career progression and challenges related to funding, students, and publishing.

Chemical industry provides more immediate job opportunities, faster career growth, and higher earning potential, but often involves working in a results-driven, and high-pressure environment.

What is the scope for international collaborations in chemical research for Indian academia, and how can Indian universities build stronger global partnerships?

The scope for international collaborations in chemical research for Indian academia is expanding rapidly. This is completely driven by the globalization of scientific research, the need for interdisciplinary approaches, and the increasing recognition of India’s role in global research. Indian universities and research institutions have the potential to build stronger global partnerships through various strategies, enhancing their research capabilities and access to cutting-edge technologies. The government has announced the Institution of Eminence (IoE to certain Institutes, and universities including private universities). This is introduced that global ranking will hit and expectation of rise is similar. However, benefits are weaned from private universities, this could be made healthier and similar encouragements of funds/academic benefits equality (availability of e-Journals to all, funds distribution equality etc.) can be provided to such private institutions. A good partnership among academic institutions within India is required with student/faculty exchange, and resource use – open solutions to the growth of the society.

To build stronger global partnerships, Indian academia must focus on developing collaborative research centres, investing in infrastructure, enhancing the talent hunt through exchange programs, and leveraging funding from both domestic and international sources. By aligning research goals with global challenges and maintaining a multidisciplinary approach, Indian universities can enhance their international profile, hit world rankings and contribute significantly to the global scientific community.