Industrial PhD Success Story: Research + Industry Balance ft. Dr. Suraj Abdan | The Researcher’s Hub

Описание: 🎙️ The Researcher’s Hub – Podcast Episode #1

Guest: Dr. Suraj Abdan – Screw Compressor Expert, Siemens Energy | Former Head of R&D, Kirloskar Pneumatic

Host: Dr. Abhishek Kumar (Chartered Engineer, FIMechE | PhD – City, University of London)

In this first podcast episode of The Researcher’s Hub, we sit down with Dr. Suraj Abdan, a respected industry leader who has successfully combined engineering, research, and leadership throughout his career.

Dr. Suraj has an inspiring journey — from IIT Bombay, to completing an Industry-sponsored PhD at City, University of London, to leading the R&D function at Kirloskar Pneumatic, and now moving to Siemens Energy as a Screw Compressor Expert.

This conversation is all about real experiences, career decisions, and the practical side of doing an Industrial PhD while working full-time.

⭐ What you will learn in this episode:

How his engineering journey began at IIT Bombay and the early lessons that shaped him

Why he chose an Industrial PhD abroad and how that experience changed his career

The toughest and most rewarding moments of his PhD

What it’s really like to manage both industry work + research at the same time

How a PhD can shape leadership skills in R&D roles

The most important skills young engineers must build for future careers

Simple advice for students confused between higher studies, industry, or research pathways

This episode is packed with guidance for students, early-career engineers, and anyone considering a research-driven career.

✨ About the Guest

Dr. Suraj Abdan is a Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in screw compressors, R&D strategy, innovation management, and new product development.
He has worked in automation, cryogenics, thermal engineering, and led major innovation initiatives at KPCL before taking up his new role at Siemens Energy (Expert – Screw Compressor Engineering).

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