A booming clinical research industry with an estimated 25,000 jobs by 2012 across India has led Saurashtra University (SU) to look at the business perspective of the industry.

To this end, it has tied up with the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) and the Ahmedabad-based Shivarath Centre for PG Diploma courses in Clinical Research, becoming the first varsity in the state to offer such courses.

The courses will be open for students with biology subjects and the credibility requirement will be provided by GSBTM.

The three specialisation courses

to be made available are PG Diploma in Clinical Research, PG Diploma in Advanced Clinical Research, and PG Diploma in Clinical Research Management.

Though foreign players are increasingly looking at making a base in Gujarat, the quality of professionals has been affecting the sector. At present, Indian multinationals like Quintiles, Synchron, Veeda, Acutest, Lambda and BA Research have a strong base in Gujarat, while GSK, Pfizer and GVK are the key foreign players.

Dr Bhagirath Patel, Director of the Shivarath Centre for Clinical Research, said: “The sector has had a constant 15 per cent growth despite the recession. The demand for research professionals is really high, but the interest level among students in Gujarat is not significant. This is the first time that the government has tied up with a university for developing expertise in the field.”

Citing the huge scope for professionals in the field, an official at GSBTM said: “The need for this effort was felt due to the increasing demand – especially from foreign companies – for skilled professionals in the field.”

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