Pratibha Gaur is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology & Microbiology at SRM University. In this article of the Journey of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2025 series, she shares her transformative journey of working at prestigious international institutions, engaging in cultural dialogue and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Shankramma K is an Assistant Professor at the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Mysuru. In this first article of the Journey Of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2025 series, she shares her journey of overcoming adversity, pursuing higher education against all odds, and using her expertise in nanotechnology to make a meaningful impact on rural communities through science and innovation.

Indumathi Sathisaran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioscience and Engineering at National Institute of Technology Calicut. In this final article of the Journey Of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2024 series, she shares her journey of doing science in India and her inclination towards multidisciplinary research.

Neelam Kungwani is an Assistant Professor at the Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. In this seventh article of the Journey Of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2024 series, she shares her unconventional path from research to innovation and academia, highlighting the challenges of establishing a research laboratory in marine biotechnology without post-doctoral experience outside India.

Charukesi Rajulu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics at the JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru. In this fourth article of the Journey Of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2024 series, she shares her journey, from an orthodox background to defying societal norms to make space for herself in plant science in Indian academia.