GBR Spotlights – Parul

Let’s start with the basics. Tell us a little about yourself and what brings you to the world of biotech and AI.

I’m Parul, a life sciences professional working at the intersection of biotech and AI. My journey spans research, entrepreneurship, and strategy, and I’m passionate about building solutions that address big healthcare and sustainability challenges.

That’s quite an interesting mix. Where did your journey begin, and what did you study?

I’m from New Delhi, India. I studied Biotechnology at Amity University and later pursued a Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise at the University of Cambridge.

Biotechnology seems like a natural fit for someone interested in solving real-world problems. What was it about biology that drew you in? And what do you think you would have studied or worked in if biotech wasn’t the path?

Biology fascinated me because it connects directly to solving real-world problems in health and the environment. If not biotech, I would have gone into journalism. I’ve always loved storytelling and making complex topics accessible.

So in a way, storytelling is still a part of what you do today. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the near future, and where would you ultimately like this journey to take you?

In the near future, I see myself working on AI-driven biotech ventures and building scalable solutions in healthcare. In the long term, I’d like to shape global collaborations that make science and innovation more accessible, especially in developing economies.

Speaking of collaboration and innovation, let’s bring GBR into the picture. What is your role within GBR?

I volunteer as Community Director, focusing on building engagement and strengthening connections across the GBR network.

Community Director sounds like a role that is very much about people. How did you first get involved with GBR?

I first joined as a Voices of Tomorrow participant. The experience was transformative, so I wanted to stay connected and contribute back to the community, which led me to volunteer.

So you went from being a participant to becoming someone who helps build the community. Is there a particular project or experience at GBR that you really loved working on?

I really loved working on the Vanguard stories of impact. Speaking with GBR’s community of leaders about their journeys was inspiring and gave me a deeper sense of the legacy GBR is creating.

It sounds like the people and the community are a big part of what makes GBR special. What do you enjoy most about working with GBR?

The passion and energy of the community. It’s a rare space where people are not only ambitious but also supportive.

And when you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, where do you see the biggest benefit of GBR?

GBR gives young leaders a platform to connect, collaborate, and drive change in the bioeconomy. The benefit is in both the immediate opportunities and the long-term global network it creates.

Let’s take a break from biotech and GBR for a moment. What do you enjoy doing outside of work and GBR?

Traveling, writing, tutoring, Pilates, and rock climbing.

Rock climbing definitely stands out from that list! Tell us a fun fact about you.

I’m a rock climber.

Clearly, you enjoy a good challenge. What about when you want to slow things down? What’s the last book you read, and would you recommend it?

The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee. I’d recommend it. It’s both scientific and deeply human.

From books to people, GBR is all about its community. Is there someone you particularly enjoy working with?

Dan Vulcanescu, Cynthia, and Katerina. Honestly, all my teammates are fun to work with.

Now for the really important questions. What’s your favourite food, and what’s one food you could happily live without?

Favorite: paneer. Least favorite: bitter gourd.

We have to ask this one too, especially given how international the GBR community is. How many languages do you speak?

English, Hindi, Spanish, and a bit of German.

Finally, let’s end with a little imagination. You’re stranded on a lonely island and can take only three things with you. What are you taking?

A notebook, a solar-powered Kindle, and a survival kit.

A notebook, a Kindle, and a survival kit. Sounds like you’re ready for anything!