In an exclusive interview with Higher Education Review magazine, Prakriti Sinha, Head of People and Organization, Sandoz India, shares how academic institutions can improve the quality of education they impart and emphasizes the level of ethical knowledge that must be ingrained right from the start of the course. She has 17+ years of experience in HR and corporate relations and is currently pursuing her PhD at XLRI Jamshedpur.

In your view, how does the pharmaceutical industry offer a unique platform for professionals seeking innovation, modernization, and liberation in their careers, rather than settling for stereotypical job responsibilities?

In today’s age, people seek a job that allows them to serve a meaningful purpose. According to numerous studies by Statista and World in Data, human life expectancy has increased from 42-45 to an average of 85 in Europe. This remarkable improvement, achieved in less than 200 years, is largely due to advancements in the pharmaceutical industry. Innovations in this field have significantly extended human longevity. While other industries talk about changing the world, the pharmaceutical industry has already done so. People who work in the pharmaceutical industry are able to associate themselves with a strong sense of purpose, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining a pharmaceutical company means knowing you are impacting lives, a promise many other industries cannot make.

The pharmaceutical industry in India is global, rivaled only by the IT industry. For example, generics companies often set up operations in the US or Europe shortly after their first or second year. This phenomenon occurs because India serves as the world's pharmacy, leading companies to establish overseas client bases. Consequently, professionals in the pharmaceutical field enjoy career opportunities that provide a globalize experience.

Could you share your insights on the diverse career paths available within this industry and how individuals can navigate towards their preferred areas of interest?

The three standard career paths in most traditional industries are R&D, Manufacturing, and Sales &Marketing. Additionally, there are enabling roles such as Technology, Regulatory, and Clinical Development functions, which are specialized career paths. 

In pharmaceuticals, we also have bridging roles that allow seamless transitions between job families. For instance, individuals with an R&D background can transition to manufacturing career paths by picking roles in Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT). This path is recommended for those with a strong understanding of both R&D and manufacturing. People who start in sales and marketing can move towards business development (BD), an essential part of the mergers and acquisitions division. This path can also open opportunities in other sectors, as experience in pharmaceuticals business development is highly transferable.

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of technology, prompting significant investments in pharmaceutical technology teams. These teams are helping make our plants and labs, paperless and introducing modeling techniques for R&D data analysis. 

Many pharmaceutical companies are increasingly embracing sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute positively to society. How can the pharmaceutical industry effectively integrate sustainability practices into its operations while maintaining profitability and addressing global health needs?

Sustainability is no longer optional; it is now a regulatory requirement. Many countries regulate the number of pollutants that can be discharged by plants, prompting companies to strive for zero-discharge operations. The current generation entering the workforce is highly perceptive to environmental issues and disapproves of unnecessary waste.

Green chemistry is gaining prominence, with many M. Pharm institutes investing in this area to train graduates. Employing individuals knowledgeable in green chemistry is crucial for reducing waste and add to sustainability goals.Companies are eagerto invest in such talent and integrate their skills into existing processes.

Given the rapid advancements in pharmaceutical science and the increasing demand for professionals in this field, how should we leverage specialized training and expertise to contribute to ongoing innovation and development within the pharmaceutical industry?

First, academic institutions must reconsider their electives. There is a need to integrate electives in a way that prevents formation of silos in the education system, recognizing that data science and pharmacology are symbiotic. Those specializing in pharmacology should also study data science to process clinical trial data effectively. The same applies to chemistry and machine learning. Currently, scientists are proficient in chemistry and data gathering but lack data modeling skills. As a result, they often learn these skills late in their careers rather than through formal education, placing the burden on the industry to provide training.

Second, ethics must be emphasized. The highly regulated nature of the pharmaceutical industry necessitates a stronger emphasis on ethics in science. Scientists must adhere to the highest ethical standards when conducting experiments and recording data. Failure to do so can result in significant risks for the organization. Ethical standards of experimentation and data recording should be integral parts of the pharmacology curriculum from the outset.

The brightest minds often remain in academia, preferring research over joining the pharmaceutical sector. It is crucial for companies to maintain networks with academia and tap into this expertise. An interfacing body between companies and academia could facilitate the formation of networks and leverage the knowledge of experts to drive innovation.