India has become the most sought-after destination for research and development for the pharmaceutical giants. The availability of skilled doctors and medical professionals, good research infrastructure and wide varieties of diseases like cancer and diabetes in India has made it a strategic location for conducting the drug related research. Indian pharmaceutical sector has contributed to our GDP growth and is recognized in the world for producing high quality drugs at comparatively low prices.

Clinical research is the scientific study carried out in various stages before the launching of the medicinal product in order to determine the effect, side-effect, risks and benefits of the product. These trials are carried out by pharma companies themselves or the contract research organization on their behalf. These trials demand expertise, hence the growing importance of clinical research.

Looking at the market potential, many foreign players and institutes are investing in clinical research in India. Clinical trial market in India is growing very fast and projected to grow to $1.6 billion by 2010. Such growth will create massive demand for clinical research professionals, making it an interesting career for the aspirants. So, a career in clinical research can bring extraordinary success to the life of aspirants. Global recession, if continues, also will not have much impact on this sector.

To pursue a career in clinical research one should be a graduate in science, preferably in pharmacy, biotechnology, life science, medicine, nursing, microbiology, homeopathy, physiotherapy, veterinary or ayurvedic medicine. Every organization has their own selection criteria like marks and specialization in graduation. Some institutes also conduct entrance tests to select candidates and some prefer experienced candidates for some specific courses.

Ample of opportunities are waiting for trained clinical research professionals. At the entry level one can join as clinical research associates (CRA) who are responsible of successfully designing, conducting, implementing and monitoring the clinical trials. A trained professional with an experience of 2-3 years can join as biostatistician. After a few years of experience in clinical research, one can be clinical research manager. Now every pharmaceutical and healthcare organization is opening a separate clinical research unit.

Attractive remunerations are paid in this sector. More the experience, higher is the salary. Research speaks that more than 50,000 professionals are required in India alone. Lack of experience is no longer a hindrance, and companies are hiring from other streams too. With the influx of multinationals, setting up research facilities here, the industry is poised to grow exponentially.

After successful completion of clinical research course one can find job in hospitals, CROs, in pharmaceuticals companies and may opt for further research and can be a professor. A number of organizations offer courses in clinical research. Among them are: Academy of Clinical Excellence [www.aceindia.org], Institute of Clinical Research [www.icriindia.com], Bombay College of Pharmacy [www.bcpindia.org], CREMA, Academy of Clinical Research Training & Management [www.cliniminds.com], etc. These institutes offer various degree and diploma courses in part time and full time basis. Some other well-known government institutes offering courses and research in clinical trial are: Bhava Atomic Research Centre (BARC), University of Delhi, University of Madras, Kurukshetra University, JNU, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, etc.

Amalesh Sharma