FACE TO FACE: Dr Yogesh Shouche, Deputy Director, SKAN Research Trust

In a freewheeling conversation with Rahul Koul, Chief Editor, BioVoice News, Dr Yogesh S. Shouche, Deputy Director, SKAN Research Trust, takes us through his three decade long journey into the microbial research and the latest trends in the space.

Key Questions:

♦ In your highly accomplished career spanning the last 3 decades, you have witnessed a great deal of evolution in the field of microbiology. What changes do you see from both academic and industry perspectives?

♦ How do you look back at your long stint at the National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune? Any unique anecdotes that you would like to share with us?

♦ Why is the National Centre for Microbial Resources (previously Microbial research Centre) so relevant for India? Would you like to enlighten us about your experiences during its inception, including challenges and key milestones?

♦ Currently you are associated with the SKAN Research Trust as its Director. Please tell us the broader objectives, key ongoing projects and expected outcomes?

♦ Emerging trends or technologies in microbiology that excite you the most? How can digital tools help accelerate drug discovery research?

♦ What role do you think public policy plays in advancing scientific research and innovation in microbiology?

♦ Do you think that there are a few ethical considerations that scientists in microbiology need to be mindful of? How do you look at the misuse especially in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic where a lot of conspiracy theories have been floating on?

♦ You have also been associated with Azim Premji University. How has been the experience while teaching Generation Z like? Any advice for aspiring microbiologists?

About Dr Yogesh S. Shouche: With over three decades of rich experience in studying microbial communities, Dr Shouche has worked extensively on the human microbiome of the Indian population and how it is affected by lifestyle and genetics. He was the brain behind the National Centre for Microbial Resources (previously Microbial research Centre) that harbours microbes from different ecosystems. His research also focused on understanding microbiome alteration in diseases like diabetes, obesity, Celiac disease with the aim of developing microbe-based therapeutic solutions.

In the recent past, Dr Shouche also served as the Professor of Biology at Azim Premji University. Previously he was a research scientist at National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, an institute affiliated to Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. At NCCS, Dr Shouche developed a microbial culture collection that harbours microbes from different ecosystems, specialised microbes (cyanobacteria, anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria, anaerobes and antibiotic-resistant microbes).

Click here now to watch the full interview for detailed insights.