EBM interview: S. Swaminathan

Prof. S. Swaminathan is the Director for Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials at SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. His research group focuses on regenerative medicine using nanomaterials and 3D bioprinting. Prof. Swaminathan received his Ph.D. in Chemical & Biological Engineering from Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA and worked at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA before returning to Indian in 2005.

Prof. Swaminathan has about 240 publications and 20 patents filed out of which 10 have been granted. He has received various prestigious awards – Government of Karnataka’s Prof. CNR Rao Bangalore India Nanoscience Award (2022), MRSI-ICSC Superconductivity & Materials Science Annual Prize (2017), Materials Research Society of India, Young Career Award in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (2015), Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, Materials Research Society of India Medal (2009), Materials Research Society of India and Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award (2006), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

Here is the interview we did with him:

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

Our research focuses on regenerative medicine using nanomaterials and 3D bioprinting to develop tissue engineering based solutions for skin, neural and cardiac regeneration. 

2. What obstacles or difficulties have you encountered in your research work? How did you overcome these difficulties?

It was challenging to start my research lab at SASTRA University, Thanjavur (a small town in southern part of India) after returning to India in 2005.  About 20 years ago, we had limited access to advanced equipment and funding.  Overcoming these challenges that too from a Private Institution in India required a lot of resilience and patience.  We started to design and build some of the equipment required for our experiments since we could not afford to buy them. Collaborations and networking with researchers from other institutions provided us access to their facilities that helped us develop many of our proof-of-concepts.  Then, we were able to attract funding to set up some of the state-of-the-art characterisation facilities with funding from the Indian Government. 

3. What attracted you to join the BAM editorial Board team?

I was attracted mainly due to three factors - Research alignment, Networking and Support the dissemination of high-impact work.

4. What are your expectations for the future development of Bioactive Materials and its promotion of related fields?

I strongly believe that Bioactive Materials will be poised to play a significant role in advancing research and applications in the areas of biomaterials, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, etc. One of the areas that could be considered is the use of AI in Health Care. 
Outreach in terms of developing educational content and resources for all learners would promote this field in general. Finally, to also make publishing in the journal more accessible to the scientific community to ensure broader advancements in the related fields.

5. What are your greatest hobbies outside of scientific work?

Playing cricket and badminton.

6. How do you balance scientific research work and personal life?

Spend time with family, who have been a bed rock of support throughout my career.

7. What do you think are the most important qualities for researchers?

Curiosity, Passion and Persistence.

8. What advice do you have for young scholars who are determined to engage in scientific research?

Stay curious and passionate about research.
Build a strong understanding of fundamentals.
Be persistent since research often involves setbacks.