- Sanchari Banerjee
Senior Research Scientist, Sai Life Sciences
I love being called a ‘mother in science’ because it beautifully reflects two defining parts of my identity. Motherhood has inspired me to strive for excellence-not only for myself, but also to be a role model for my daughter. I have never viewed these roles as competing; instead, each has strengthened the other, making me both a better scientist and a better parent.
A career in the life sciences is deeply rewarding, but it also demands curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning. I am often asked how one balances a scientific career with family responsibilities. Recently, I came across a phrase that resonated with me: work-life integration. Unlike the idea of balance, integration recognizes that our professional and personal lives can complement and enrich one another.
True integration is only possible through collective support at home and at work. Dependable childcare, domestic support, and technologies that simplify everyday chores can ease the demands at home. Equally important are equitable opportunities, flexible policies, mentorship, and sponsorship in the workplace. Even small gestures of understanding during school events or periods of greater family responsibility can make a meaningful difference to both well-being and productivity.
“We are one person wearing many hats. Rather than striving to do everything at once, we should make thoughtful choices, prioritize what matters most, and extend ourselves grace when priorities inevitably shift.“
My journey at Ignite Life Science Foundation and now at Sai Life Sciences has given me the opportunity to grow as a scientist while embracing motherhood. One of my most memorable experiences this year was attending a conference at NIT Warangal with my daughter as a proud ‘mother Saimer.’ It was a wonderful reminder that my professional and personal worlds can come together in meaningful ways.
The Indian scientific ecosystem is steadily becoming more supportive of working parents, but there is still room for progress. We must continue to mentor, support, and advocate for one another, creating workplaces where women can thrive at every stage of their scientific careers.