Embarking on an independent scientific journey as an academician heading an independent research group with teaching responsibilities comes with a set of unique challenges. Each person has a unique way of navigating this path. The background preparation and strategies one employs to get into an academia based position are also varied. As a part of SciSoup Blog Series, we have tried to collate a questionnaire that various young investigators and early career researchers have responded to and we hope that this brings in new perspectives, ideas and helps aspiring young researchers who are planning to take this path and embark on this exciting journey ahead.
AUG 19, 2022 | BY ROHAN J. KHADILKAR
In this mentoring Blog post, we would be sharing with you the views and experiences of Dr. Saravanan Palani who is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He obtained his Ph.D. from German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), University of Heidelberg, Germany followed by a postdoctoral work at the Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, UK.
1) How was the transition like from being a postdoctoral fellow to an independent investigator and leading a research group?
Being a Principal investigator, I completely enjoy the freedom in running core research projects including ambitious high-risk high-reward projects. Though this position comes with a few risks, at the end of the day, it is rewarding and refreshing to work as a team alongside young minds. It has helped me grow as a person, and thus, the entire transition has been quite an enriching experience.
2) What advice and tips you would provide to a person who is planning on transitioning to academia and is on the academic job market?
I would say anyone planning to shift to academia, particularly in India, should attend the Young Investigator’s Meeting (YIM), organised by India Bioscience every year. Attending YIM gave me the perfect forum to connect with institute representatives and young researchers (who had started their lab recently) to explore the possibilities of coming back to India and starting my research group. There may be numerous hurdles, some may even be impeding, but one can be assured of the sheer pleasure and joy received on the other side of the roadblock.
3) What are some of the specific challenges you faced while setting up your own lab and starting a new research group?
The major challenge I faced while setting up a new lab was establishing a well-equipped research environment. However, it did come with its freedom of being able to organise the lab exactly the way I wanted to. I am aware of the miracles a young mind is capable of, given the right opportunity and exposure, and I am certain to have given my team a similar research environment to experience like the one I received in Europe. So, this is something that has kept me motivated throughout the "settling in" process. The research atmosphere/culture in India has been very welcoming and the help I gained from fellow researchers across India was tremendous during the whole process. I take this opportunity to thank Indian Institute of Science for providing the seed grant. This really helped me begin the transition very smoothly and setting up the lab in spite of all the odds due to pandemic.
4) Which are some of the fellowships/grants that an early career researcher in India can apply for in order to kick start their career?
India has several advanced fellowships that support Early Career Researchers (ECRs) encouraging them to continue with their research in India. I strongly recommend young researchers to explore such prestigious fellowship programmes, namely DBT-Ramalingaswami and DST-SERB-Ramanujan fellowships, and the DBT-Wellcome Trust India alliance fellowship. India alliance fellowships are quite on par with the other prestigious fellowships available across the globe and provide one with the complete freedom to utilize the funding to kick start the independent research program in India.
5) Your thoughts on teaching, mentorship and its role in shaping curious minds?
Teaching is undoubtedly one of the things I truly enjoy, and I have been mentoring students since my post-doctoral times. At IISc, I teach the basics of cell biology, which includes cell division and cytoskeleton. I make sure that the information communicated is not just readily available in a standard textbook, but include current findings and recent techniques, thereby educating students with the advancements in the field. I see my role in academia as one to guide curious young minds and transform them into competent researchers by equipping them with necessary skills and critical research thinking capacity.
6) If you were to share your life philosophy or “mantra” that you believe in the most that also helps you in 'sciencing', what would it be?
My philosophy/ "mantra" is quite simple, stay focused and follow your vision. Stay ambitious and curious, while continuing to thrive for betterment. This completely gives me a pleasure of working for myself at the same time training the young minds too.
Edited by - Ratneshwar Thakur (Science Communicator and Writer) and Dr. Rohan J. Khadilkar (INSA & Har Gobind Khorana - IYBA Awardee, Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellow), Tata Memorial Centre - ACTREC, Navi Mumbai, India.
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