1. RESEARCH:
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT TO EXPECT, AND
HOW TO PREPARE
YOURSELF?
On the 14th University Day 2017
By: Dr.Vaibhav A. Dixit
Assoc. Prof., SPTM,SVKM’s NMIMS, Shirpur
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/college/research/guide.html
2. What is
research?
• Research is the pursuit of new knowledge
through the process of discovery.
• Involves inquiry and systematic observations of
phenomenon.
• Design experimentation to study the effect of
different factors on the results.
• Experimental conditions are understood and
controlled.
• Systematic recording of observations and results.
• REPRODUCIBILITY of data/results is important.
3. Types of
Research
• Basic (fundamental) research
– To gain deeper knowledge on a subject.
– Immediate application is not the main focus.
• Do killer whales go through menopause?
• Can we clone Dinosaur and Mammoths?
• Can we detect gravitational waves generated from two
colliding neutron stars?
• How to proteins fold/unfold?
• Applied research
– Aims to get an understanding on a subject/topic with
direct focus on commercial/non-commercial
application?
• Is continuous flow synthesis of antifungal drugs possible?
• How to develop nano-carriers for drug delivery?
Why isTroglitazone is more toxic than Rosiglitazone?
4. What is
research at
M. Pharm.
Level?
• With guidance from a supervisor you
– Find a research area/topic of your interest.
– Do literature search to understand current knowledge and state-of-
art/science.
– Find what is known and unknown.
– Highlight the importance of the area.
– Decide if you want to work in that area.
– Define a problem statement.
• The exact question that you want to answer by experimentation.
– Define your aims and objectives.
• Aim: A clear statement for the overall purpose of the study.
– To develop novel drug delivery system for the treatment of TB.
• Objectives: A realistic division of the aim into measurable outcomes.
(mostly 3-4).
– To study the effect of XYZ polymer on bioavailability of the drug.
– Identify the requirements, methodology and time-line.
– Perform a pilot/test experiment to check feasibility and get first hand
experience.
– Meet your supervisor at least twice a week, more meetings might be
required.
5. What do you
gain by doing
research?
• There are many benefits and the most
important ones are
– Learning, learning, and learning…
– Learn by performing experiment.
– Cement concepts learned in class.
– Realize the connection between theory and experiment.
– Experiencing science in a real world setting.
– Getting the excitement of discovery.
– Develop a reputation as an excellent scientist.
– Preparing for career ahead.
• Job in Pharma industry, Academia, Government sector
• Your own venture.
• Or even better, do more research i.e. Ph.D.
6. What you have
learned by doing
research?
Do new things.
• You learn how to
– Perform literature search.
– Read, interpret and extract information from journal
articles relevant to the project.
– Operate instruments and implement laboratory
techniques not usually available in laboratories associated
with course work
– Do meaningful experimentation in the lab.
– Interpret results, reach conclusions, and generate new
ideas based on results
– Interact professionally (and socially) with students and
professors within the research group, department and
school.
– Communicate results orally and in writing to other peers,
mentors, faculty advisors, and members of the scientific
community at large
7. What are
the
potential
challenges
you are
likely to
face in
research?
• Time management
– The key to success. Plan your daily activities (besides the
academic time table).
– Categorize activities: reading, writing planning/performing exp.,
– Allot reasonable time to each type of activities.
– Google calendar it the best option. Its mobile friendly too.
– Do what you have planned to do.
• Different approaches and styles
– Everybody has different working styles.
– But there are some ground rules (safety and SOPs), know and
follow them.
– Most of the times team work is essential for success.
– Avoid unnecessary conflict while establishing your ground to
doing your work efficiently.
8. challenges cont.
• This project will not work.
– You may hear this many times.
– Develop a clear understanding about the topic. Strong
basics.
– It is good to spend more time initially developing the
rational, than readjusting the project multiple times later.
– If it fails, scientifically analyze the reasons and propose
improvements.
– Blame-games don’t lead to progress but to more conflicts.
– Learn to accept failure, be open to change and
modifications, they are part of life.
• Projects finish but Research continues
– Your findings will answer some of the burning questions in
the field.
– But that doesn’t end the journey.
– New questions and applications emerge for which
RESEARCH continues…
