In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta who is a freelance science writer and consultant and believes in sharing the knowledge and power of science worldwide. After completing a stellar career in academia, she has turned to her current endeavour, associated with “News Medical” as a feature writer. She writes articles about myriad topics such as COVID-19, diseases, vaccines, physiology, health, etc. In this candid discussion, she talks about her research journey in biological sciences and how that contributed eventually to taking up a career in science communication.
Physiology is a broad subject of study and is definitely interdisciplinary, which you have pursued at the UG, PG, and doctorate levels. I’m really curious to understand the strong motivation behind this.
I studied human physiology as I was always fascinated to understand how many different physiological processes work in harmony to maintain our body’s homeostasis, and how some external or internal factors break this absolute synchronization to cause disorders/diseases.
You may wonder why I didn’t try pursuing MBBS. I never had the mindset to become a practicing doctor. I didn’t even sit for the entrance examination. Instead, I always wanted to become a researcher.
How did a Bachelors and Masters in Physiology help you with your research stint and writing? Please enlighten us on the unique aspects of this.
I did a PhD in human physiology. I studied how a high-altitude environment affects the physical and mental health of soldiers. My area of research was hypoxia-induced oxidative stress and its outcomes. So, the knowledge I gathered during Bachelors and Masters had helped me immensely in understanding the concept of my research. However, I must acknowledge the huge difference between theoretical knowledge about a particular subject and its application in active research. The ability to apply your scientific knowledge in active research develops gradually over time. And, as always, experienced guidance is required.
What are the pros and cons of pursuing a doctorate & post-doctorate before venturing into science communication/ consultancy, immediately after the postgraduation?
My writing skills, which I fairly developed during my PhD and postdoc period, have helped me immensely to get a grip of my communication skills. Having said that, a student can choose to become a science communicator immediately after his/her Masters.
But what I feel is having some experience in active research definitely helps in understanding the subject from its core, which is a prerequisite for communicating science to the general audience. A science communicator should remember that a considerable proportion of the audience may not know the subject very well. So, a communicator should write an article in an easy-to-understand and flawless language, while keeping its scientific meaning intact. A reasoning mind and an ability to identify minute details of a subject are the qualities of a good science communicator. Having only theoretical knowledge of a subject is not enough to gain these qualities.
How do you suggest young students/scientists explore their inclination towards science communication/consultancy?
In my opinion, if a student has a passion for writing, he/she can opt for the communication field right after his/her PhD. Having postdoctoral experience may not be required.
How different is the research environment in defense-based research institutes like the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS, associated with DRDO), in comparison to other research institutes in India?
The main difference is the restricted environment wherein you must maintain the data privacy policy of the institute. Unlike other institutes, you cannot publicly disclose all your findings on account of national security.
How did you discover your passion for science communication? Please elaborate on any specific event(s) associated with this motivation.
I developed my passion for writing during my academic days. But honestly, I never thought of considering writing as a profession. After completing my postdoc, I had to take a short break from active research due to personal reasons. During this period, I started writing popular science articles and health articles for different organizations as a freelancer. This triggered my passion for writing once again and I thought of taking it up professionally.
Later, I got some offers to get back to active research, but I decided to continue as a science communicator. I think that the inspiring comments I received from eminent scientists about my articles have encouraged me to continue in this field.
What skills do you think are necessary, from your experience, to establish oneself in the science communication field?
As I mentioned earlier, you should simultaneously have the ability to communicate science in layman’s language and have a mindset to maintain the decorum of science.
Is freelance science communication quite lucrative in comparison to an equivalent job role associated with a company of repute?
Both are equally lucrative and each come with certain pros and cons. Company-based jobs are of course more financially secure, while in freelance jobs, you might not have a fixed earning. I think the major fun of being a freelancer is that you get a chance to choose your topic of interest and bring creativity to your work. This might not be possible in a regular company job. And, once you establish yourself as a good communicator, financial security should not be a problem anymore.
What gives you the ultimate satisfaction in your current profession, with science communication and scientific consultancy?
Ultimate satisfaction comes from the fact that I can work on my own terms and conditions. And of course, the appreciation I get from companies motivates and energizes me to perform better in my profession.
