Bangalore, Jun 17, 2009: As part of its public-private partnership initiative, the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) has collaborated with two premier R&D focused institutions in India, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in the area of pharmaceutical research and development to encourage innovation in the country.

Towards this initiative, OPPI has constituted 'Scientists and Young Scientists Award' to encourage original research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences in India, this year. The 'Scientists and Young Scientists' from NIPER and CSIR will be selected by a panel of independent juries for these awards and will receive a cash award, along with a citation and trophy during the OPPI annual general meeting scheduled on August 8, 2009 in Mumbai, India.

The research areas considered for the award are: pharmaceutical chemistry; pharmaceutics- novel and improved drug delivery system; pharmacology; pharmaceutical biotechnology/nanotechnology; and pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.

OPPI will accept the application forms till July 6, 2009.

Established in 1965, OPPI is a premier association of research based international and large pharmaceutical companies in India, and is also a scientific and professional body.