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.
JAN 09, 2022 | BY ROHAN J. KHADILKAR
In this mentoring Blog post, we would be sharing with you the views and experiences of Dr. Rakesh Joshi who is a Scientist at the Biochemical Sciences Division at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and is a recipient of the CSIR Young Scientist Award, DST Early Career Research Award and EMBO Fellowship.
1) How was the transition like from being a postdoctoral fellow to an independent investigator and leading a research group?
This transition was fascinating and full of learning experiences for a homegrown researcher like me, who has gained very little research exposure outside India. Challenges started from questing for the research theme based on available expertise that will be enhancing your enthusiasm and curiosity; at the same time, it should be relevant to current and future research trends. Over the period, I have learnt that while setting an independent research group, the purpose and function of the future laboratory plays an important role and eventually sets the course for the tasks and requirements for setting up a new research lab. Establishing an independent group needs a whole set of management skills that I learned during the process and from the experiences of others. Although, challenges are formidable in this journey, however, such challenges, present the opportunity to explore the virtues of your mental strength and human values.
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?
It is essential to learn the skill of advocating and showcasing your career advancements and achievements appropriately to get your proper place at the right time in the desired manner. It is impractical to work or evolve in isolation in today's well-connected world. It is essential to connect with the community in and across your institute, also around the globe. Experiences and suggestions coming from your peer, contemporaries, and friends will be pivotal to making your transition swift and comfortable. Your peers' experiences with administration, collaboration, funding and mentorship can serve as a guiding light on your path. It is imperative to practice co-existence and synergism to excel in academia. The world is ready to help you; it is your job to communicate and connect with the community around you.
3) What are some of the specific challenges you faced while setting up your own lab and starting a new research group?
As young investigators, we are always in love or shadow of our doctoral or postdoctoral work. To reduce dependency on your supervisors and create your own identity, you must identify relevant subject areas deviating from your earlier research question. Indeed, the skillsets obtained from previous experiences will facilitate this process. Essential aspects of scientific growth involve motivation, mentorship, collaborative approaches to research and vision. Many young researchers face challenges in imbibing or projecting either of the quality mentioned. Like me, many young investigators faced difficulties dealing with administrative procedures. If you communicate with the concerned person with empathy and not with authority, surely you will get extended help to make your life easy.
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?
Most of the institutes provide an ample amount of seed grants to start the lab setup. Apart from this, SERB-Startup Research Grant and initial funding by other agencies like DST, DAE, and CSIR can provide significant support during establishment. Re-entry fellowships like DST-Ramanujan and DBT-Ramalingaswami could be of great use while returning to India and starting your group. Public-private funding like Wellcome Trust - Early and Intermediate Fellowship for Biomedical Research, other corporate social financings can be beneficial to fuel your research group.
5) Your thoughts on teaching, mentorship and its role in shaping curious minds?
As young investigators, we are in the position to influence impressionable minds. We should aspire to motivate young research students to enter basic research to satisfy their curiosity. As our country continues to struggle with climate change, biodiversity loss, persistent poverty, and poor health and nutrition, I would like to encourage students to do translational research that can contribute to the country’s overall development.
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?
I am very much motivated with two quotes on 'sciencing'. One is by Brian Greene - 'Science is a way of life. Science is a perspective. Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding in a manner that's precise, predictive and reliable - a transformation, for those lucky enough to experience it, that is empowering and emotional.' As my journey of practising research, I have experienced complete transformation as an individual in terms of patience, preseverence, analytical thinking, mentoring, teamwork, management….and list is endless.
Another one is by Louis Pasteur 'Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. Science is the highest personification of the nation because that nation will remain the first which carries the furthest the works of thought and intelligence.' I correlated with these quotes and tried to implement them while doing science. During COVID times, we have understood that none of the issues are national or specific to any class, creed or group of individuals anymore. The biggest chanllanges that humanity faces are climate change, pandemics, pollution, natural resources and energy crisis, malnourishment etc. Hence, we have to work on solutions to serve humanity, nature, and the planet.
Dr. Rakesh S. Joshi was interviewed by Dr. Rohan J. Khadilkar (INSA & Har Gobind Khorana - IYBA Awardee, Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellow), Tata Memorial Centre - ACTREC, Navi Mumbai, India.
Edited by - Ratneshwar Thakur and Dr. Rohan J. Khadilkar
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