While we all agree that Science has brought about disruptive advancements in our society, research needs to be conducted in a safe manner, by anticipating the moral, social and ethical implications of scientific advancements.
Ketan Thorat, our next pathbreaker, Fellow E/Scientist D at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, focuses on policy research in biosafety, biosecurity, bioethics, and ensures that research is compliant with regulatory requirements and ethical practices.
Ketan talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about starting his career in research and transitioning to a role that encompasses science administration, management and compliance.
For students, we need custodians of responsible science who can ensure that science remains a force for good, not for harm.
Ketan, Your background?
I grew up in a small village called Anarad in the Shahada Tehsil of Nandurbar, an aspirational district in Maharashtra. My mother was posted there as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), and much of my early life was shaped by that environment.
As a child, I was introverted and often bullied—whether for my weight, appearance, or stammering (kids can be cruel). It wasn’t until I changed schools around the 8th standard that I slowly started building friendships and gaining a bit of self-confidence. Like most students, my 8th to 12th standard years were dominated by the looming fear of board exams, constantly being told that these were the ‘make-or-break’ years of my life.
What truly changed my school experience, however, was my love for biology. The moment I decided to pursue science, I became deeply fascinated with the subject, and that passion led me toward a career in biotechnology.
More than school or teachers, my parents played the biggest role in shaping my worldview. To them, a career was never about ‘easy money’—it was about creating a lasting impact. They instilled in me the belief that the true measure of success is the legacy you leave behind, the work that continues to matter long after you’re gone.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
Inspired by the advice of a biology teacher, I pursued my Bachelor’s in Biotechnology at Fergusson College, Pune. A senior’s encouragement sparked the idea of aiming for an IIT for my Master’s, and that goal set me on a rigorous academic journey. I did my MS in Biotechnology from IIT Bombay.
During my eight months of coaching at Pathfinder Academy in Delhi, my passion for science was reignited. The outstanding mentorship from their faculty played a crucial role in helping me clear multiple MSc entrance exams, including those for IITs, JNU, BHU, SAU, and AIIMS. I ultimately chose to pursue my Master’s at IIT Bombay.
The knowledge and training I received during those years became the foundation for my academic and professional milestones. They helped me clear competitive exams like UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, DBT-JRF, GATE-Life Sciences, and the PhD entrance at inStem. That same preparation also played a key role in securing my first job as a Scientist with the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Regulatory Compliance?
During my Master’s, I was fortunate to have incredible mentors—Late Prof. Rinti Banerjee and Dr. Nitin Joshi (then a PhD student, now an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital). Their guidance sparked my interest in biomaterials research. I became so deeply engrossed in my work that I completed an entire project—from formulation to animal studies—within just six months. That experience left a lasting impact on me and cemented my decision to pursue a career in biomedical research.
During my Master’s thesis, I developed a patented nanoparticle inhaler spray technology to co-deliver two anticancer drugs at once directly to the lungs for lung cancer. Therefore the technology could reduce toxicity to the rest of the body. The possibility of working on a potential therapy that can help reduce suffering thoroughly amazed me. I got to know about Praveen newly starting his lab at inStem, and was already inspired by his translational research, I applied to him. He replied within hours and I joined within days.
For my PhD, I had the privilege of working with Prof. Praveen Vemula at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore. I was the second person to join his newly established lab, and under his mentorship, my perspective on biomedical research evolved significantly. Our discussions often extended beyond the lab—delving into the intricacies of research funding, how funding agencies and institutions operate, and the broader impact of these mechanisms on scientific progress in India.
During my PhD, I developed technologies to reduce pesticide exposure in farmers and farm workers. The anti-pesticide suit we developed, the Kisan Kavach® is now the first-of-a-kind cotton fabric suit that can offer protection against pesticide exposure and is now available throughout the county for farmers to protect themselves. The work was awarded the Gandhiyan Young Technological Innovation Award (GYTI) 2019 conferred by the then Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri. Venkaiah Naidu.
I had a fun PhD. While I pushed through my experiments and presentations; I did theatre, and dance, started a community service club on campus, organised workshops on sustainable living and menstruation, organised fundraisers and donation drives, organised a rally against eve-teasing in the area, worked with Global Shapers community on sustainability, and worked on building Sukhibhava (now Uninhibited), a not for profit organisation working on menstrual and sexual health education in urban slums and rural India.
By my third year of PhD, I started reflecting on my personal skill set and where my strengths aligned within the scientific ecosystem. Through conversations with mentors and peers, I discovered the role of ‘science administrators’—professionals within government agencies who manage R&D funding portfolios. Acknowledging my interest in both science and management, I became determined to work at a funding agency where I could contribute to research and innovation at a national level.
I started closely following various scientific ministries, funding agencies, and their initiatives on social media to understand their scope of work and the skills required. One day, I came across a vacancy at the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through a post on X (Twitter) by a senior officer at DBT. Four months later, I joined DBT as ‘Scientist C’ and was entrusted with the science diplomacy portfolio, managing international bilateral partnerships. Additionally, I was part of the coordination team, contributing to target setting and monitoring for the Sectoral Group of Secretaries—Technology Group, which involved eight other ministries, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
I thoroughly enjoyed the impact I was able to make in this role. Later, I came across an opportunity at inStem to establish a new Office of Regulatory Compliance for life science research. The prospect of returning to my alma mater and leading the country’s first dedicated regulatory compliance office at a research institute intrigued me. Though this was an entirely new domain for me, I was eager for the challenge. I applied, was selected, and embarked on a career path that allowed me to contribute in a completely different yet equally meaningful way.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
When I joined inStem, my experience in regulatory compliance was limited, but I carried with me the administrative expertise I had gained at DBT. That foundation allowed me to dive deep into the complexities of regulation. Very early in my role, I realized the scarcity of regulatory training opportunities in the country. Determined to bridge that gap, I seized every chance to learn—attending talks, webinars, workshops, and discussions, and reaching out to anyone who could offer insights.
My persistence in seeking knowledge paid off, leading me to some exceptional mentors who continue to guide me to this day.
What truly helped me navigate this nonlinear journey was the habit of constant self-reflection. I made it a point to assess my skill set, refine my strengths, work on my weaknesses, and strive to become a little better—both as a professional and as a person—every single day.
How did you get your first break?
Getting selected for my Master’s at IIT Bombay was what I’d call my ‘first big break’ in life. The institutions I studied at didn’t just equip me with knowledge—they instilled the confidence to pursue this unconventional career path with conviction.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of training materials and structured learning opportunities in regulatory sciences in India. During my first year, I had to self-train in biosafety, biosecurity, animal ethics, and stem cell research ethics—often struggling to find reliable resources. With work commitments making a full-time degree unfeasible, I made the most of every opportunity—attending workshops, networking with experts, and continuously expanding my understanding of regulations.
Recognizing this gap, a friend and I took the initiative to organize a national workshop to train other researchers across the country in regulatory requirements and academic integrity. Along with him, I have also developed a free online repository of teaching and learning resources on regulatory compliance and academic integrity. This repository, set to launch soon, will be accessible to anyone across the globe, helping bridge the knowledge gap in this critical field.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
In my current role as Fellow E/Scientist D at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, I focus on policy research in biosafety, biosecurity, bioethics, and equity in international cooperation. I also lead one of the first Regulatory Compliance Offices within a biological research institution in India. Our office ensures that research conducted on campus adheres to the ethical and safety standards set by the Government of India. Additionally, I train and advise researchers, innovators, and industry professionals—both within the campus and across the country—on regulatory requirements and ethical research practices.
What are skills required for your role? How did you acquire them?
This role demands an eye for detail and the ability to assess research from multiple perspectives—ethical, public health, personnel safety, and national and global security. Regulations are not just administrative formalities; they serve as a framework for evaluating the boundaries of scientific imagination, ensuring that research is grounded in ethical principles and aligned with the broader well-being of society and the planet.
How does your work benefit society?
My work ensures that the research we conduct is both ethical and safe, requiring us to anticipate the moral, social, and safety implications of scientific advancements. It involves navigating complex ethical questions—Who owns medical data? When does an embryo gain personhood? What are the boundaries of animal experimentation? These are not just theoretical debates but critical considerations that shape responsible research and innovation.
In biosecurity, my work and advocacy efforts focus on preventing the misuse of biology, bacteria, and viruses as weapons of mass destruction. This means safeguarding biological research from those who might exploit it to threaten international health security. While we must harness the full potential of biology for the betterment of humankind and the planet, biosecurity ensures that science remains a force for good, not for harm.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
During my time at DBT, I led the initiative to establish Science Museums in Aspirational Districts of India. Today, three such museums exist, serving as an inspiration for young minds in some of the most rural parts of the country. These spaces provide students with access to science beyond textbooks, sparking curiosity and encouraging them to envision careers in research and innovation.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Your degree and certificates can only take you so far. It’s your skills—the ones you bring to the table—that will truly set you apart. Reflect on the skills you offer, continuously hone them, and pick up new ones along the way. Remember, you’ll get hired for your skills, not your degrees.
Find your passion and make it the driving force behind your work. Also, don’t forget to take breaks to allow your mind to recharge. In the pursuit of knowledge, humility is key. The moment you think, “I am what I am” or “This is who I am, others have to deal with it,” you stop growing. Stay open to learning—embrace both the good and the bad. Every experience contributes to your growth.
Hakuna Matata
Future Plans?
To be updated……….. 😛