We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sampurna Chatterjee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sampurna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents have profoundly influenced my life trajectory, blending direct guidance with subtle, observational learning, mostly in the areas of health, educational and financial independence, character building, philanthropy, and spirituality.
Health, Educational, and Financial Independence:
-I was encouraged to earn what I wanted, which fostered independence and appreciation for hard work. Most of the times, if I wanted something I had to earn it- It pushed me to become independent real fast and appreciate the value of things.
-My mother instilled the habits of saving and reading, which have become enduring traits.
Character Building and Philanthropy:
-Observing my father’s dedication to community work inspired your own philanthropic efforts.
-I learned to balance introverted and extroverted traits from my parents’ contrasting personalities, enhancing my ability to connect socially while valuing solitude. Between my mom who is truly introverted and my dad being a genuine extrovert, I can say that I have picked the good of both worlds, where I can turn on my extroverted side in a community setting. It has helped me build a diverse professional and personal network. Simultaneously, I allow myself plenty of quiet time for rejuvenation, be it by spending quality time with my rescue pets or being on the highway on a long drive.
Divergence and Personal Growth:-
I also developed my own beliefs, particularly in spirituality and religion, by questioning and diverging from my parents’ views.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My primary focus lies in the development of innovative therapies for debilitating diseases, with a particular emphasis on cancer and autoimmune disorders. In oncology, my research has spanned a broad spectrum of malignancies, including lung cancer, adult and pediatric brain tumors, colorectal cancer, and hematologic cancers such as multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia.
Cancer continues to rise at an alarming rate in the United States, where it remains the second leading cause of death after heart disease—claiming 608,371 lives in 2022 alone. Despite its devastating impact, certain cancers like lung cancer—which causes more deaths than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined—remain significantly underfunded relative to their societal burden.
My work has centered on identifying novel biomarkers for cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials and investigating the mechanisms by which tumor cells evade treatment, metastasize, and develop resistance. What sets my research apart is its multi-dimensional approach. I have explored a range of therapeutic strategies tailored to specific cancer types, including cell therapies, small molecules targeting angiogenesis, genetic vulnerabilities, and bispecific cell engagers.
I’ve had the privilege of conducting this work across leading institutions and international settings, including the Max Planck Institute in Cologne, Germany; Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, USA; and most recently, Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge. This global perspective has enriched my scientific approach and deepened my commitment to advancing transformative therapies for patients in need.
Recently I have shifted my focus from cancer to immune-mediated diseases as a clinical translational scientist at AstraZeneca . Immune-mediated diseases such as occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues such as the skin, joints, intestinal system, kidneys, lungs, and brain leading to inflammation, permanent tissue damage, and even death. There remains a significant unmet need for treatments for many individuals with immune-mediated diseases who do not achieve disease control with current therapies. Our mission is to transform the care of immune-mediated diseases by moving beyond symptom management to enable true disease modification, achieve remission, and ultimately deliver a cure for millions around the world.
Besides being a scientist, I serve as an editor on scientific journals and on the Board of Directors of several non-
profits to foster and promote an inclusive environment for those underrepresented in science and medicine and those struggling with identity. I am also an avid animal lover active in rescue missions, fostering, and rehoming locally and internationally.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
There is no doubt in my mind that healthcare is my true calling. I am deeply motivated by a passion to alleviate patient suffering and am committed to contributing to the discovery of innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. As someone who is inherently forward-thinking, I often frame my goals by asking, “Looking ahead, how can I continue to make a meaningful impact?”
My answer lies in evolving alongside scientific and technological advancements. For instance, I am currently developing a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to identify more effective drug targets, particularly in the context of precision medicine. Given that the overall success rate of clinical trials is under 8%—and even lower in oncology at just 3%—there is a critical need to improve our approach. Leveraging AI to enhance target identification could significantly increase the probability of clinical success, ultimately offering patients a better chance at overcoming serious illnesses. For me, to be a scientist is to commit to lifelong learning and the relentless pursuit of answers—with the ultimate goal of helping patients live longer, healthier, and disease-free lives.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I relocated to the United States after receiving an offer to join Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital as a research fellow, focusing on innovative approaches to treating aggressive adult and pediatric brain cancers. I was excited at the prospect of performing cutting edge research in neuro-oncology at the world class medical institution in Boston. Transitioning from Germany, I had to quickly adapt to the distinct professional culture and lifestyle in the U.S., which presented both challenges and opportunities for growth.
One of the most significant lessons during this period was learning how to effectively communicate and market my research. Massachusetts, being a global hub for biomedical innovation, is home to a highly competitive cancer research landscape. This environment, while intellectually stimulating, also meant constant competition for limited funding. I honed my skills in grant writing, successfully securing independent fellowships and third-party funding to support my research initiatives.
Over the course of six years, however, I began to recognize a growing disconnect between the realities of academic research and my original vision. The relentless pressure to secure funding and publish, coupled with long, demanding hours and limited financial stability, gradually eroded my passion for scientific discovery. The absence of structured career development pathways—particularly for international researchers—further contributed to a sense of uncertainty about the future.
Recognizing the need for change, I began exploring opportunities beyond academia and eventually transitioned into an industry scientist role at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. This marked my first experience in a non-academic setting, and it proved to be both invigorating and rewarding. I was drawn to the fast-paced environment, the clear focus on developing transformative therapies for cancer patients, and the collaborative, cross-functional teams spanning regulatory affairs, quality assurance, analytical development, and safety. Despite the challenges of transitioning, the move revitalized my enthusiasm for science and reaffirmed my commitment to making a tangible impact in patients’ lives.
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