Nobel Laureate, molecular biologist and chief scientific officer of biotech R&D major New England Bio Labs, Sir Richard J Roberts is explicit in his opinion on the way science should be practiced. ?You should practice science because it?s fun and you have a lot of curiosity. The secret is to always ask good questions; find a good question and then pursue it,? he says. At the same time, Roberts is impressed with the Indian biotech sector and sees it as a potential hub for R&D in the field along with China.

In a recent conversation with Shreya Roy, the man who won the coveted Nobel Prize in medicine for his discovery of split genes, talks about his work and shares his views on the global focus of biotech R&D. Excerpts:

What is your mandate at New England Bio-labs?

I am the chief scientific officer at New England Bio-labs, which means that I overlook all the science. But the main purpose is to have a vision as to where the company should be going, identify new areas that we should go into, and suggest areas we should avoid. New England Bio-labs is working on restriction enzymes, which fall into the category of finding new ones. The other would include ones that we try to reengineer to make them better. We also do a lot of basic research.

Are there any specific projects that are of special interest to you?

My own personal projects are mainly regarding bio-informatics. So I spend a lot of time on computers to study bacterial and archaic genomes. On one hand, to find restriction enzyme genes, but more generally to understand something about how these genomes work.

What are the thrust areas that biotech R&D work is currently being focused on globally?

There are hundreds of areas being focused on currently. You have biotech working on energy, biotech on drugs, trying to be pharmaceutical companies. You also have a lot of work with genetically modified foods, which unfortunately faces a lot of political opposition in Europe. But then the areas I am excited about are not necessarily what the rest of the world is excited about. Just look at the investment in biofuels. There is a huge amount of excitement in biofuels all over the world.

So, biofuels do not excite you…

I am excited about one aspect of it, in small-scale biofuel development. But for the people who are trying to do it to replace oil, I don?t think that is going to happen and I am not excited about it at all.

What are some of the roadblocks that biotech R&D companies usually face?

Sometimes, it is government regulations that get in the way. For instance, with stem cell research in the US, government regulations got in the way until very recently. But the biggest roadblocks are usually just the good ideas. People don?t have good ideas. Once you have that, it is relatively easy to get started.

Do you think the current recession is hampering long term investments in the biotech sector?

It is just a blip. It is not going to be a big problem. At the moment, if you are trying to start a company, a lot of money will not be available. What you need to do is, if you have an idea that needs a lot of money, hold on to it and wait for the right time. That doesn?t mean you cannot start other things. Not all start-up companies need a lot of money. At this time, what is important is to be ready with something that you can take to the market first when it picks up.

Which regions do you think hold good promise for the future of biotech R&D?

I think India and China have great potential. They are both strong players.

What is your assessment of the biotech sector in India?

I think it is doing really well. I am very impressed with what?s going on here. There is intellectual property (IP) generation taking place in India.

The country has a big advantage because you have a large population and a good education system for those who manage to get into it. You also have an edge as you speak good English.

And most importantly, I think there are a lot of very smart Indians. I am on the advisory board of International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), which has its office in New Delhi. I also have research collaborations with individuals here who have worked with us, and these associations will continue.

What would be your advice for the young scientists?

It?s not healthy to practice science with the goal of winning a big prize. You should practice science because its fun and you have a lot of curiosity. The secret is to always ask good questions. Find a good question and then pursue it.