Conceptual reading crucial for a scientist

Dr Thallada Bhaskar, a senior scientist at Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehradun, who specialises in waste plastic conversion talks about life as a scientist. Dr Bhaskar's big finding is conversion of plastic into petroleumA Suhani Dewra About me Throughout my life, I studied in Government schools and colleges on Government scholarships. After my PhD at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, I studied post doctorate fellowship in Japan till 2002. After this, I worked there as a faculty member. It was during this time that I researched in the area of waste polymeric conversions. I invented several micro reactors to separate waste materials in liquids. But since I was an employee with a Japanese University, the patent rights were given to them. That got me thinking that it was India that made me able enough to invent things, but the rights are going to another company which in future will sell the idea to my country. That's when I came back to India and started to work as senior scientist in Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun. I realised the biggest problem in the country was that of tremendous amount of garbage; plastic contributes a high amount in that waste. I told to myself why not convert plastic into something useful. That's when I found the pathway for converting plastic into petroleum.

Typical day I begin with checking mails related to research communication with global researchers. Daily chores take place while the communication is on. My office timings are from 9.00 am to 5:30 pm, but I am at work before nine and stay there even after six. A regular day involves thinking all day long. Bad day When no scientific discussion happens.

Good day When I find something new that is appreciated and accepted by international scientific journals. Life beyond research Beyond research, I involve myself in social work. I am associated with Andhra Pradesh-based non-profit organisation, Vandemataram Foundation. Money matters There is a huge opportunity to earn in this field. A scientist can earn up to crores of rupees. If one works in a Government organisation, the lower limit is close to 40,000 to 50,000 and it goes up to Rs two lakh. Scientists are given all kinds of facilities ranging from basic to advanced ones to help you pay undivided attention to their research work. Qualities in a scientist Someone who aspires to be a scientist should follow conceptual reading. Fundamentals of the subject should be clear.