Vijay Bagul, Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vijay Bagul: Senior General Manager at Medley Pharmaceuticals Limited, India

Title/Designation: Dr. Vijay Bagul
Current Role/Designation: Senior General Manager
Organization/Institution: Medley Pharmaceuticals Limited
Country: India
Subject Track: Chemistry
Key Areas of Expertise: Senior Professional in Analytical Research & Development (Formulation – Solid Dosage, Liquid, Ophthalmic & Suspension Forms)
Award Category: Best Researcher Award
Submitted: October 1, 2025

 

Mr. Vijay Arjun Bagul is a senior pharmaceutical industry professional with over 23 years of hands-on and strategic leadership experience in Analytical Research and Development (AR&D). He specializes in the development, validation, and regulatory compliance of analytical methods for a wide range of dosage forms including solid oral, liquid, ophthalmic, and suspension formulations. Currently serving as Senior General Manager and Head of ADL at Medley Pharmaceuticals Ltd., he leads cross-functional teams supporting US, UK, EU, Russia, and domestic regulatory markets. Known for his deep technical expertise, regulatory insight, and leadership capabilities, Mr. Bagul has played a critical role in numerous ANDA filings and successful inspections by agencies such as USFDA and WHO. He is also actively engaged in mentoring, scientific training, and operational excellence in a regulated R&D environment.

Online Profiles

Education

Mr. Bagul holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Mumbai, which laid the foundation for his career in pharmaceutical analysis. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Science at the Institute of Science, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, Mumbai, with a research focus on stability-indicating methods and impurity profiling. His undergraduate studies in Chemistry were also completed at the University of Mumbai. He has a strong academic background with consistent focus on applied analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, which has greatly enriched his industry contributions and research publications.

Research Focus

His primary research areas include analytical method development and validation, stability testing, dissolution studies, degradation product profiling, and reverse engineering of reference listed drugs (RLDs). He is particularly focused on advanced chromatographic techniques like HPLC, GC, LC-MS/MS, and stability-indicating method development for complex formulations. In recent years, he has emphasized regulatory-oriented research in genotoxic impurities, nitrosamine detection, and green chemistry approaches. His work bridges academic rigor with practical pharmaceutical application, ensuring regulatory compliance while advancing scientific understanding.

Experience

Mr. Bagul’s career spans over two decades across leading pharmaceutical companies including Wockhardt Ltd., Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Ajanta Pharma, and currently, Medley Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Since 2018, he has been serving as the Head of Analytical Development Laboratory (ADL), overseeing a team of more than 150 scientists. He has successfully managed numerous regulatory submissions and technology transfer projects for US, UK, Europe, Russia, and ROW markets. His experience includes budgeting, CAPEX planning, vendor qualification, method troubleshooting, and regulatory inspections. His collaborative leadership style and scientific depth have positioned him as a key figure in India’s formulation AR&D landscape.

Research Timeline & Activities

Mr. Bagul’s research journey began in the early 2000s with his first publication in 2003. Over the past two decades, he has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles, contributing to innovations in HPLC, UV spectroscopy, and impurity analysis. His research activities intensified from 2021 onwards with a surge in collaborative works on stability-indicating methods, simultaneous drug estimation, and LC-MS/MS methodologies. He actively engages in institutional partnerships, advisory roles, viva-voce examinations, and IQAC committees. His participation in academic-industry collaborations ensures that his research remains cutting-edge, relevant, and aligned with global regulatory expectations.

Awards & Honors

  • Appointed as Member of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Thakur College of Science and Commerce (Autonomous) from Academic Year 2022–2023 as a Nominee from Industry.

  • Appointed as Research Advisory Board Member at H.K. College of Pharmacy, Mumbai (2018–2020).

  • Invited as an External Expert for Viva-Voce and Interactive Guest Talks at leading pharmaceutical education institutes like NMIMS (Shirpur Campus), H.R. Patel Institute, and C.U. Shah College of Pharmacy, Mumbai.
    These roles highlight his recognition as an industry-academic interface, valued for his deep expertise and ability to guide young researchers and students in formulation science and regulatory research.

Top Noted Publication

Among his many contributions to scientific literature, one of Mr. Bagul’s top-cited works is the LC-MS/MS Method for Identification & Quantification of Varenicline Nitroso Impurities using the QTRAP 4500 Mass Detector. This paper, published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology (IJPSN) in 2025, addresses a critical regulatory concern related to nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceutical products. The work is a benchmark in applying high-end instrumentation for impurity profiling and serves as a valuable reference for regulatory submissions and analytical laboratories.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37285/ijpsn.2025.18.2.7

One of Mr. Vijay A. Bagul’s most recent and noteworthy publications is titled “A Suitable Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Brimonidine and Brinzolamide in Glaucoma Treated Dosage Form: Influence of its Greenness with Use of Green Metric Tools,” published in the Oriental Journal of Chemistry on June 26, 2025. This study focuses on the development of an eco-friendly, robust RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of two ophthalmic drugs—Brimonidine and Brinzolamide. The novelty of the work lies in its integration of green analytical chemistry principles, evaluated using multiple green metric tools, ensuring sustainability without compromising method performance. This contribution reflects a growing commitment to environmentally conscious analytical practices.
DOI: 10.13005/ojc/410304

Contributors: Harmeet Kaur Kohli, Satish K. Ghumare, Deepa D. Parab, Vijay A. Bagul

Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu, Engineering, Young Researcher Award

Miss. Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu: Assistant Professor at GNC, Budhlada, India

Ramandeep Kaur is a dedicated researcher in the field of Food Science and Technology with a strong academic background in biotechnology and molecular biology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. with a focus on innovative starch modification and the development of biodegradable materials for sustainable food packaging. With a passion for functional food development and food sustainability, she combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience in product development, food quality assessment, and advanced research techniques. Her scientific curiosity is driven by a commitment to providing eco-friendly solutions to modern food industry challenges.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

As of now, Ramandeep Kaur has received a total of 11 citations, all accumulated since 2020. She holds an h-index of 2, indicating that at least two of her publications have been cited at least twice. Reflecting the early stage of her academic publishing career. These metrics demonstrate emerging recognition of her contributions in the field of starch modification and food science research.

Education

Ramandeep’s academic journey began with a CBSE education, where she completed her 10th grade with a CGPA of 8.0 and 12th grade with 61.26%. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from S.D. College, Barnala (2013–2016), graduating with a percentage of 58.61%. She then earned her Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (2016–2018), with a CGPA of 6.65. Currently, she is a Ph.D. scholar in Food Science and Technology at Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (2021–2025), working on a government-funded project under the DST-WISE PhD scheme.

Research Focus

Her current Ph.D. research focuses on the isolation, modification, and characterization of starch derived from Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef), a nutrient-rich ancient grain. The research aims to improve the physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties of native starch through modern techniques like ultrasonication, heat moisture treatment, gamma irradiation, and enzymatic/chemical modifications. A major goal of her study is to develop biodegradable films using modified Teff starch for potential application in eco-friendly food packaging, contributing to sustainability and waste reduction in the food industry.

Experience

Ramandeep brings both academic and applied experience to her work, having participated in several hands-on workshops, faculty development programs, and research collaborations. She has gained practical skills in starch extraction, rheology, microscopy, digestibility analysis, and biodegradable film production. Her academic training is complemented by active participation in knowledge-sharing events, such as workshops on edible films at Amity University and conferences on food innovation at Punjab Agricultural University. Her experience also includes research paper writing, lab management, and team-based project coordination.

Research Timeline & Activities

Her research timeline (2021–2025) is structured under the DST-WISE PhD program, providing structured opportunities for deep investigation and scientific output. Throughout this period, she has conducted detailed experimental studies, presented findings at national workshops, and published results in reputed peer-reviewed journals. Notably, she has worked extensively with analytical tools and engaged in data-driven research around starch digestibility, film formulation, and functional food development. Ramandeep continues to contribute actively to food innovation through scientific writing, collaboration, and participation in academic development programs.

Awards & Honors

Ramandeep has been honored with the WISE-PhD Fellowship (Women in Science and Engineering), funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, recognizing her potential as an emerging researcher in food technology. This award supports her work on the development of biodegradable films from modified Teff starch. Her scholarly achievements include acceptance of research papers in high-impact journals, selection for participation in prestigious workshops and FDPs, and acknowledgment within her academic institution as a promising contributor to the field of sustainable food science.

Top Noted Publication

One of Ramandeep’s most cited works is the 2024 research article titled “Influence of Heat Moisture, Ultrasonication, and Gamma Irradiation on Pasting, Thermal, Morphological, and Physicochemical Properties of Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Starch,” published in Starch‐Stärke (Vol. 76, Issues 7-8). This study explored advanced physical modification techniques to enhance the functional performance of Teff starch, revealing significant improvements in gelatinization, viscosity, and film-forming properties. The publication is recognized for its novelty and potential industrial applications in eco-packaging and clean-label food products.

  • Sidhu, R. K., Riar, C. S., & Singh, S. (2024). Influence of Heat Moisture, Ultrasonication, and Gamma Irradiation on Pasting, Thermal, Morphological, and Physicochemical Properties of Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Starch. Starch‐Stärke, 76(7-8), 2300241.
    🔹 Citations: 9
    🔹 This paper investigates the structural and functional changes in Teff starch following various physical modification methods, highlighting potential applications in food packaging and texture improvement.

  • Sidhu, R. K., Riar, C. S., & Singh, S. (2025). In vitro starch digestibility and physicochemical properties of chemical and enzymatic modified Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) starch for industrial applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 307, Article 141910.
    🔹 Citations: 2
    🔹 This research focuses on improving starch digestibility and stability through chemical and enzymatic methods, aiming at industrial utility in biodegradable films and processed foods.

  • Sidhu, R. K., Mittal, Y., & Aran, K. R. (2025). Bilirubin: A Game-Changer in Alzheimer’s Therapy? Unveiling Its Neuroprotective and Disease-Modifying Potential. Metabolic Brain Disease, 40(6), 224.
    🔹 A cross-disciplinary exploration of bilirubin’s emerging role as a therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, offering insights into its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Strengths as a young researcher award

1. Emerging Innovator in Sustainable Food Packaging Award

This award honors a young researcher who has demonstrated exceptional innovation in developing sustainable and biodegradable food packaging solutions. Recognizing Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu’s groundbreaking work in starch modification using advanced physical and chemical techniques, this accolade highlights her commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the food industry through eco-friendly materials derived from indigenous resources like Indian Teff starch.

2. Excellence in Starch Modification Research Award

Presented to a promising scientist who has made significant strides in the field of starch chemistry and modification, this award acknowledges Ramandeep’s meticulous research on enhancing the physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties of native starches. Her work not only advances fundamental understanding but also paves the way for practical applications in food technology and packaging industries, showcasing her ability to bridge scientific innovation with industrial relevance.

3. Young Scientist in Food Sustainability Award

This distinction celebrates a rising star dedicated to sustainable food science research. Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu’s focus on biodegradable films and environmentally conscious food packaging exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles in the food sector. Her interdisciplinary expertise and active participation in national research programs underscore her potential to influence sustainable practices on a global scale.

4. Promising Food Science Researcher Award

Awarded to an early-career researcher who exhibits strong academic excellence and impactful contributions to food science and technology. Ramandeep’s dedication to functional food development, rigorous experimental research, and her role in mentoring and knowledge dissemination reflect her leadership potential and scientific curiosity. Her steadily growing body of work and recognition in reputable journals mark her as a future leader in the field.

5. Innovator in Functional Food and Biopolymer Research Award

This accolade is given to a young investigator pioneering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of molecular biology, food science, and material engineering. Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu’s innovative efforts to develop novel biodegradable biopolymers from Teff starch and enhance food quality through enzymatic and chemical modifications demonstrate her unique ability to integrate diverse scientific domains. Her contributions are advancing both theoretical knowledge and practical solutions for healthier, sustainable food systems.