The concept of contract research is taking shape in India on the lines of call centres, according to Dr Ashes Ganguly, the honarary secretary of Indian Analytical Instruments Association (IAIA). He said many of the western countries are now awarding contracts for research activities to Indian scientists and technocrats and the business potential is quite high in this area. Dr Ganguly, who is the director of Cryogen Instruments India Pvt Ltd, told UNI today that Indian manpower is cheap and hence big bio-technology firms and pharma companies besides research institutes are adopting the method of contract research. He said the analytical instrumentation is a Rs 5,000-crore industry.

This will see a quantum jump after contract research laboratories are set up throughout the country. Earlier, at a news conference, he talked about Analtica Anacon 2004, to be held later this year. Kurt Schraudy, managing director, IMAG and director of Business Unit New Technologies, Messe Munchen GmbH, threw light on the Componex/ ElectronicIndia 2004, an international conference and exhibition to be held at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre from Fenruary 12 to 15. He said more than 400 exhibitors are expected to attend the event. Besides India, exhibitors from 17 other countries are also expected. These are China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia, Belarus, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa and the US.