As India marks National Science Day on February 28, the country’s scientific community stands at a transformative juncture. With the Union government committing ₹1 lakh crore to the new Research, Development and Innovation fund and the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, conversations around research infrastructure, industry-academia collaboration and global competitiveness have moved from aspiration to active implementation.
To explore how advanced imaging technologies are enabling this shift and what it means for India’s next generation of researchers, IndiamedToday spoke with Amarjeet Singh Tak, Head of Research and Microscopy Solutions at ZEISS India & South Asia. With over 16 years of experience across the med-tech and pharmaceutical sectors, Tak offers insights into how policy momentum, private sector participation and evolving career aspirations are reshaping the country’s R&D landscape—and whether India’s scientific talent is positioned for genuine global leadership.
1. Over the last decade, what are the biggest shifts you have seen in how young Indians think about careers in science and research?
There has been a shift in how young Indians perceive careers in science and research. While engineering and medicine were traditionally the most sought-after fields, increased awareness, policy changes, and improved access to resources have broadened career aspirations. Today, students are exploring diverse opportunities in STEM fields, ranging from biotechnology to quantum computing, driven by interdisciplinary courses and global exposure. This evolution reflects a growing recognition of the value of research and innovation in shaping the future.
2. With rising national investment in R&D, do you feel India’s young scientists now have better access to global standard infrastructure, or is there still a large gap between policy intent and reality on the ground?
India has made significant strides in R&D investment, providing better access to global-standard infrastructure. Although there remains a gap between policy intent and ground realities. Industry-academia collaborations are key to bridging this gap. For example, partnerships that offer hands-on training and real-world exposure can help students become industry-ready. Initiatives like the Core Imaging Facility at Ashoka University by us demonstrate how such collaborations can enable access to advanced technologies and foster innovation.
3. How do you see schemes like the new ₹1 lakh crore RDI fund and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation changing the research culture inside Indian labs over the next few years?
These schemes represent a transformative step in India’s research ecosystem. Earlier academic institutions often hesitated to invest in infrastructure, viewing such initiatives through a CSR lens. With dedicated RDI funds, institutions can now prioritize infrastructure development, enabling cutting-edge research and innovation. Over the next few years, these funds will empower labs to expand their capabilities, attract talent, and foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately bridging gaps in research accessibility.
4. With government policy now explicitly encouraging private sector-led R&D, what new kinds of industry-academia collaborations around advanced imaging and microscopy are you starting to see?
Government policies promoting private sector-led R&D are fostering new collaborations between industry and academia in advanced imaging and microscopy. These partnerships focus on improving access to cutting-edge technologies, providing hands-on training, and encouraging interdisciplinary research. By working together, institutions and private players are driving innovation, building research capacity, and enabling scientists to tackle real-world challenges more effectively.
5. As India puts more public money into sunrise areas such as biotech, quantum tech, and health, how is demand for high-end microscopy evolving across universities, hospitals, and startups?
The increasing focus on sunrise sectors like biotechnology, quantum technology, and healthcare is driving demand for advanced microscopy tools. These tools are critical for research in these fields, enabling precise analysis and discovery. India’s large population and growing scientific ecosystem amplify the potential for breakthroughs. Creating awareness and providing training on the use of high-end microscopy tools are essential to fully leverage this demand across universities, hospitals, and startups.
6. What role are advanced imaging and microscopy tools playing in changing the kinds of scientific questions Indian labs are able to ask today?
Advanced imaging and microscopy tools are revolutionizing research in Indian labs by enabling scientists to ask more complex and interdisciplinary questions. These tools provide deeper insights into materials and biological processes, bridging the gap between academic theory and applied research. They also facilitate global collaboration and knowledge exchange, empowering Indian researchers to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries and address global challenges.
7. Can you share an example where high-end microscopy directly enabled a meaningful breakthrough or discovery in an Indian lab or collaborative project?
The Core Imaging Facility at Ashoka University and the Advanced Microscopy Training Program are prime examples of how ZEISS India is enabling breakthroughs. These initiatives provide access to cutting-edge imaging technologies and hands-on training, bridging the gap between academic theory and applied research. By fostering interdisciplinary research and technical capability, these programs are unlocking meaningful outcomes, driving innovation, and nurturing a generation of scientists equipped to tackle complex global challenges.
8. Many of the new funding schemes talk about taking cutting-edge tools beyond elite institutes into state universities and emerging centers. What will it take, in practical terms, to make advanced microscopy truly accessible and sustainable in those settings?
Making advanced microscopy accessible and sustainable requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Policy Implementation: Regulators must ensure effective policies that prioritize equitable access.
- Awareness Campaigns: Institutions and organizations should actively promote the importance of advanced research tools.
- Collaborations: Industry-academia partnerships can provide infrastructure and training.
- Hands-on Training: Practical exposure for students is crucial to build technical expertise and ensure long-term sustainability.
9. In your view, is India’s scientific talent base ready for genuine global leadership in selected domains, and what capabilities do we still need to build to get there?
India is on the path to global leadership in science and research. Compared to a decade ago, the country has made remarkable progress. Events like the AI Impact Global Summit showcase India’s potential and foster international collaboration. To achieve global leadership, India must focus on:
- Building deeper technical expertise.
- Expanding access to advanced infrastructure.
- Strengthening interdisciplinary research and innovation. With these capabilities, India can lead in addressing global challenges while building for both domestic and international needs.
10. How are private players like ZEISS partnering with academia and healthcare to democratize access to advanced research tools rather than serving only a few top-tier centers?
With over 179 years of global expertise ZEISS in India has consistently focused on democratizing access to advanced research tools. Our partnerships with institutions like IISc, IITs, and Ashoka University exemplify this commitment. By establishing collaborative labs and offering hands-on training, we are enabling students and researchers across diverse institutions to access cutting-edge technologies, fostering innovation and bridging the gap between elite and emerging centers.
11. What models of long-term partnership between industry, universities, and hospitals do you find most effective for strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem around imaging and microscopy?
The future of microscopy lies in intelligent, connected platforms. AI-native systems will automate imaging, robotics will enhance throughput, and multimodal microscopy will integrate structural, chemical, and mechanical insights. Long-term partnerships must focus on:
- Innovation: Developing new use cases and customer segments.
- Sustainability: Ensuring continued access and training.
- Outcome-Driven Models: Shifting focus from equipment cost to measurable research outcomes. By fostering collaboration and innovation, these partnerships can transform India’s R&D ecosystem.
12. As we mark National Science Day, what message would you like to give students and early career researchers about where Indian science is headed and why now is the right time to build a career here?
India is at a pivotal moment in its scientific journey. With rising investments, global collaborations, and a growing focus on research, the opportunities are immense. My message to students and early-career researchers is simple: stay curious, set clear goals, and remain consistent in your efforts. Science is a field of endless possibilities, and your contributions can shape the future of India and the world.
