The Landmark Achievement of Dr. Srikanth Sadhu at the INDO-US TETC Flow Cytometry Workshop

In a moment of pride for Indian biomedical research, Dr. Srikanth Sadhu, a dedicated Research Scientist at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), has been awarded the Best Research Publication Award. This prestigious recognition came during the 27th INDO-US TETC Flow Cytometry Workshop and International Conference on Precision Medicine in Cancer, held from January 29 to February 1, 2026, at the Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (CCHRC) in Silchar, Assam. The award highlights not only individual excellence but also the growing prowess of India's research ecosystem in immunology and advanced cytometric techniques.

Dr. Sadhu's accolade underscores the critical intersection of innovative research and cutting-edge tools like flow cytometry, which are pivotal in dissecting complex immune responses. As India's higher education and research institutions continue to produce world-class outputs, such achievements signal a bright future for aspiring scientists.

Decoding the INDO-US TETC Flow Cytometry Workshop Series

The INDO-US TETC Flow Cytometry Workshops, organized by the Trust for Education and Training in Cytometry (TETC), have been a cornerstone of cytometry education in India since 2002. Initiated by Prof. Awtar Krishan from the USA in collaboration with Indian experts, these annual events provide hands-on training in both basic and advanced flow cytometry applications for biomedical students, technologists, and scientists. The 2026 edition, themed "Flow Cytometry: Principles and Applications in Biological Research and Clinical Diagnostics," combined workshops with an international conference, fostering knowledge exchange on precision medicine in cancer.

Attendees engage in practical sessions covering cell sorting, multicolor panel design, and data analysis—skills indispensable for modern immunology and oncology research. The Best Research Publication Award, among others like Dr. Awtar Krishan Awards for quizzes and posters, recognizes publications that exemplify cytometry's impact.

Breaking Down the Award-Winning Publication: IL-9's Role in SARS-CoV-2 Pathology

The award was bestowed for Dr. Sadhu's seminal paper, "IL-9 aggravates SARS-CoV-2 infection and exacerbates associated airway inflammation," published in Nature Communications in 2023. This study utilized a K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model to demonstrate how Interleukin-9 (IL-9), a cytokine produced by T helper 9 (Th9) cells and innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2s), worsens viral replication and lung inflammation during COVID-19.Read the full paper

Key findings include:

• IL-9 deficiency reduced viral loads and airway hyperreactivity in infected mice.
• Neutralizing IL-9 antibodies mitigated inflammation, suggesting therapeutic potential.
• Flow cytometry revealed elevated Th9 and ILC2 populations in infected lungs, linking IL-9 to pathology.

This work builds on Dr. Sadhu's expertise in Th9 cell differentiation and host-directed therapies, offering insights into cytokine-targeted interventions post-pandemic.

Dr. Srikanth Sadhu: From University of Hyderabad to Global Recognition

Holding an MSc in Animal Biotechnology from the University of Hyderabad and a PhD, Dr. Sadhu joined THSTI as a Research Scientist, focusing on the Centre for Immunobiology and Immunotherapy. His career trajectory includes pivotal studies on transcription factors like Foxo1 in IL-9 induction and host immunity against pathogens such as Salmonella and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Prior awards include the IUIS Rising Star Award 2025, G.P. Talwar Young Scientist Award 2021, and multiple M.K. Bhan Best Published Paper Awards from THSTI. With over a dozen high-impact publications, including in Sci Adv and Antiviral Res, Dr. Sadhu exemplifies the caliber of researchers emerging from India's higher education system. For those eyeing similar paths, resources like how to write a winning academic CV can be invaluable.

Flow Cytometry: The Gold Standard Technique Revolutionizing Indian Research

Flow Cytometry, often abbreviated as Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), is a laser-based technology that analyzes and sorts cells based on physical and chemical characteristics. In a step-by-step process:

1. Cells are labeled with fluorescent antibodies targeting specific proteins.
2. A fluid stream passes cells through laser beams, detecting light scatter and fluorescence.
3. Detectors capture signals, generating multiparametric data for phenotyping thousands of cells per second.
4. Software analyzes populations, enabling discoveries in immune subsets and rare events.

In India, with rising cancer and infectious disease burdens, flow cytometry drives precision diagnostics and research. Institutions like THSTI leverage spectral flow cytometry for high-dimensional immune profiling, aiding vaccine development and immunotherapy. The INDO-US workshops have trained thousands, bridging academia-industry gaps.

THSTI: Pioneering Translational Research in India's Higher Education Landscape

Established under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), THSTI in Faridabad translates basic science into health solutions. Its campuses host advanced facilities for immunology, virology, and clinical trials. Dr. Sadhu's work aligns with THSTI's mission, contributing to national priorities like pandemic preparedness.Official THSTI announcement

THSTI's emphasis on interdisciplinary training positions it as a hub for higher education careers. Researchers can find opportunities via research jobs and faculty positions in similar institutes.

Broad Impacts: From COVID-19 Insights to Precision Medicine Frontiers

Dr. Sadhu's findings on IL-9 open avenues for cytokine blockers in respiratory viral infections, relevant amid ongoing threats like influenza and emerging pathogens. In cancer, where the workshop focused, flow cytometry enables tumor microenvironment analysis, guiding immunotherapies.

Stakeholder views: Clinicians at CCHRC praise the workshop for enhancing diagnostic capabilities in Northeast India, while academics highlight Indo-US collaborations boosting publications. Future outlook includes AI-integrated cytometry for real-time analysis.

• Statistics: India’s cytometry market projected to grow 15% annually, per industry reports.
• Case study: Similar IL-9 studies informed asthma trials globally.

Career Pathways and Opportunities in Flow Cytometry and Immunology

For students from Indian universities, specializing in cytometry offers robust prospects. Training via TETC workshops complements MSc/PhD programs, leading to roles in academia, pharma, and biotech. Dr. Sadhu's journey—from UoH to THSTI—illustrates actionable steps: publish high-impact work, attend conferences, secure grants.

Explore research assistant jobs in India, postdoc success tips, and postdoc openings. Platforms like Rate My Professor help gauge mentors.

Photo by Provincial Archives of Alberta on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Elevating India's Research Profile Globally

Dr. Sadhu's award reinforces India's ascent in biomedical sciences, with THSTI and TETC as catalysts. As precision medicine evolves, cytometry will be central. Researchers are encouraged to leverage higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice at AcademicJobs.com. Stay informed, publish boldly, and contribute to India's scientific legacy.