What drives our IMPACT Fellows? What groundbreaking research are they pursuing, and what personal motivations fuel their journeys? Through this bi-weekly interview series, we look into the minds of our fellows to uncover not just the science but the stories behind their work. Explore their experiences in the IMPACT programme and the unique perspectives they bring to their fields. This week, we had the chance to interview Richa Sharma.
Can you briefly describe your research project and its potential impact on society or the economy?
My research mainly focused on the design and methodological development of strained (7/8/9-membered unsaturated) cyclic carbamates by utilizing the ring closing metathesis approach and its evaluation as novel lead therapeutics against A. baumannii. No new class of antibiotics has been introduced to the market in the past 40 years, and people have been consuming the same type of antibiotics for decades. As a result, bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii have evolved into highly concerning multidrug-resistant pathogens. Lately, A. baumannii has been declared as a critical priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Conventional antibiotics exert a selection pressure, leading to resistance development in bacteria; thus, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. An alternative approach involves targeting bacterial virulence by chemically modifying the active part of the bacterium instead of bacterial viability, thereby reducing selection pressure for resistance. Therefore, I propose to develop a method for the synthesis of a new Cyclocarbamate molecules. We will investigate the in vitro biological and pharmacological properties of the Cyclocarbamates and which will supposedly be used as lead therapy against MDR bacterium A. baumannii.
Coming from India, what unique perspective do you bring to your field of study at VUB?
Coming from India, my viewpoint has been influenced by the challenges and opportunities stemming from my country’s diverse heritage in Ayurveda, and natural remedies provide a wealth of knowledge and foundation for exploring novel bioactive compounds as an antibiotic therapeutic. But at the same time, to ensure the preservation of our planet’s natural wealth, I will bring creativity and innovation to Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) by developing the synthetic methods to mimic the natural product derived from heterocyclic molecules that can be used for various medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes.
What’s been the most surprising or valuable aspect of the IMPACT programme for you so far?
The IMPACT programme at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has significantly advanced my career objectives by making the vision clear about how we can facilitate the transformation of laboratory innovations into marketable products that address societal needs. Engaging with an esteemed organic chemistry research group and undergoing comprehensive training in impact development and entrepreneurship have been instrumental in this journey. Not only has it expanded my scientific perspective, but the pitching training provided by Scimingo has also offered valuable insights into effectively communicating innovations to a broader audience. This training emphasized the importance of tailoring messages to diverse audiences, simplifying complex ideas, and engaging listeners with compelling narratives. Such skills are essential for making scientific research accessible and impactful beyond the academic community. For this, I am thankful to the entire IMPACT team for their steadfast support in providing essential resources and guidance. Various training sessions and interactive exercises during the kick-off and the training weeks have enriched my experience.
If you could instantly become an expert in another field of study, which would you choose and why?
If I could instantly become an expert in another field, I would choose nutritional science because it perfectly complements my background in organic and medicinal chemistry while aligning with my interests in cooking, healthy food, and travelling. Understanding the molecular interactions of food with the human body would allow me to create scientifically optimized meals that enhance health and performance. Additionally, as someone who enjoys traveling, I could explore global dietary patterns, analyze their health benefits, and even develop innovative fusion recipes backed by science. Mastering nutritional science would not only expand my professional skill set but also enrich my personal lifestyle and ability to help others lead healthier lives.
Last but not least: What’s your favorite invention of all time?
Coming from India, for me, the invention of the Haber Process is the greatest invention of all time because it directly sustains nearly 50% of the world’s population by enabling large-scale ammonia fertilizer production. Not only countries like China and India, it has also prevented global famines and fueled the Green Revolution. Before its discovery, food production was limited by natural nitrogen sources, but with synthetic fertilizers, crop yields skyrocketed, saving billions from starvation. Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution, also stated that synthetic fertilizers (from the Haber Process) were essential for preventing mass starvation. Beyond agriculture, the process also revolutionized industries by providing ammonia for plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. It even changed the course of wars, as Germany used it to produce explosives during World War I. Despite its positive impact, its dual use in chemical warfare highlights the ethical dilemmas of scientific discoveries.
