The Inductive Economy

Join us in a compelling conversation with Dr. Gagandeep Kang, one of India’s leading clinical scientists. From her pioneering work on rotavirus vaccines to her crucial role in India’s COVID-19 response, Dr. Kang shares invaluable insights on clinical research, building trust with communities, and the future of healthcare. Don’t miss her advice for young researchers and her thoughts on the data revolution in life sciences.

About Dr. Kang:

Dr. Gagandeep Kang, the first Indian woman elected to the Royal Society, is known for her transformative contributions to public health and vaccine development. She now serves in a key role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health systems and disease surveillance.

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Connect with ⁠Dr. Gagandeep Kang: LinkedIn

⁠Follow ⁠Vignesh⁠ on X: @hrorq

Follow us on ⁠X⁠: @IndxEcon

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⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:14 - Theme

00:14 - 02:42 - On pursuing a career in Clinical Research

02:43 - 06:25 - On Mentors and Influences

06:26 - 08:25 - On Dr. Mary K. Estes

08:36 - 11:10 - On the early work on Rotavirus

11:11 - 23:46 - On Clinical Research and Building Trust with Communities

23:47 - 39:18 - The Problems of overanalysing Statistical Anomalies during Clinical Trials

39:19 - 44:02 - The Myth of Risk-Free Innovation

44:03 - 48:22 - On COVID-19 vs. Rotavirus

48:23 - 51:31 - The Role of Technology in India’s Response to COVID-19

51:32 - 54:11 - Executing in Emergency Situations versus Raising Standards of Excellence

54:12 - 57:40 - Advice to Young Researchers in the Post-COVID-19-era

57:41 - 1:00:30 - Crucial Policy Changes to Consider

01:00:31 - 01:06:38 - Dr. Kang’s New Role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

01:06:39 - 01:08:41 - On improving India’s Disease Surveillance Systems

01:08:42 - 01:10:35 - How to Approach Budget Allocation for Healthcare

01:10:36 - 01:13:17 - Preparing for the Data Revolution in Life Sciences

01:13:18 - 01:14:02 - One Piece of Advice Dr. Kang received

01:14:03 - 01:14:20 - Thanks

Dr. Vatsala Thirumalai is a distinguished neuroscientist at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore. With a background in Biotech Engineering from Anna University and a PhD in Neuroscience from Brandeis University, her research focuses on neural circuits and motor control, particularly Central Pattern Generators (CPGs). Her significant work with zebrafish models has provided key insights into motor control and its disorders.

In this episode, Dr. Thirumalai discusses her academic journey, the importance of imagination in science, and the critical role of mentors. She also reflects on the current state of Indian science and envisions a collaborative future with active participation from both the private sector and government.

Tune in for her insights on the evolving landscape of global science and the future of Indian scientists.

00:00 - 00:14 - Theme

00:15 - 02:15 - On the work of Bagyam Ramasami

0:16 - 07:30 - The Deeper Significance of Studying Neural Networks that support Movement

07:31 - 13:10 - On CPGs (Central Pattern Generators)

13:11 - 17:34 - On the Evolutionary Origins of CPGs

17:35 - 20:55 - What is Rhythm?

20:56 - 26:24 - On CPGs as a Window in the Brain

26:25 - 32:01 - From Undergrad in Biotech Engineering to PhD in Neuroscience

32:02 - 38:33 - The Most Elegant Theory Vatsala’s ever come across

38:34 - 45:02 - On the Zebrafish

45:03 - 50:38 - On the Ethics of Studying Animals for Scientific Progress

50:39 - 52:16 - On the Turing Test as the Four-Minute Mile

52:17 - 55:52 - On running tests on Animal Simulation vis-a-vis actual Animals

55:53 - 01:05:00 - On Intelligence Augmentation in Mammals

01:05:01 - 01:14:32 - On the Power of Imagination

01:14:33 - 01:16:54 - What will the Indian Scientist of the Future look like?

01:16:55 - 01:25:02 - The Current State of Indian Science

01:25:03 - 01:28:49 - On the Private Sector and the Government meeting Indian R&D halfway?

01:28:50 - 01:31:54 - On the Role of Mentors

01:31:55 - 01:32:51 - Thanks and Gratitude

Dr. Venkat Padmanabhan is the Deputy Managing Director at Microsoft Research India, where he founded and led the Mobility, Networks, and Systems group. He previously worked at Microsoft Research Redmond for over eight years.

Dr. Padmanabhan obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. His research interests are primarily in mobile and networked systems. He is an INAE Fellow, IEEE Fellow, and ACM Fellow, and has received numerous awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:15 - Theme Music

00:16 - 04:07 - Venkat’s Experience at IIT Delhi and UC Berkeley

04:08 - 05:55 - Venkat’s Reading Diet as a Youngster

05:56 - 09:08 - The Approach to Research at UC Berkeley

09:09 - 12:10 - Post-PhD Career Choices

12:11 - 16:02 - What is a ‘Good Problem?’ and the Origins of ‘HyWay.’

16:03 - 21:34 - Focusing on ‘Principles of Design’ for Problem-Solving

21:35 - 27:47 - The Three Design Principles Guiding HyWay

27:48 - 31:49 - Modelling ‘Murmurations’ on HyWay

31:50 - 34:30 - How Venkat’s Day is Structured?

34:31 - 38:24 - Venkat’s Process to ‘Translate & Communicate’ Ideas

38:25 - 45:30 - The Networked Brain Project

45:31 - 51:48 - HAMS Project

51:49 - 54:14 - Venkat’s Definition of ‘Impact’

54:15 - 01:00:23 - The Missing Translation Potential of Research in India

01:00:24 - 01:05:58 - Rapid Fire Round

Introduction:

In this episode of The Inductive Economy, we welcome Dr. Joy Buchanan to discuss a variety of topics exploring the depths of economic theory and its application in today's world.

From discussing Tyler Cowen's "GOAT" to diving into the experimentalist school of economics, and examining the influence of media on learning, this episode is packed with insightful discussions.

We also explore how technology affects job training, particularly in countries like India, and delve into the role of intellectual property in wealth creation.

Tune in for a comprehensive analysis and enjoy a rapid-fire segment to wrap up the discussion.

Dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience in this compelling episode of The Inductive Economy, featuring renowned neuroscientist Dr. Shubha Tole. From her early interests to groundbreaking research, Dr. Tole shares her journey and insights into the brain's mysteries.

Here's a brief outline of our conversation:

This episode with Dr. Shubha Tole offers a deep dive into the intricacies of neuroscience, the importance of mentorship, the celebration of scientific inquiry in India, and the ethical dimensions of scientific research. Join us for a journey through the wonders of the brain and the future of neuroscience in India.

About Dr. Shubha Tole:

Shubha is a distinguished neuroscientist, professor, and Dean of Graduate Studies at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, specializing in brain development. Her groundbreaking research has significantly contributed to understanding the development of the hippocampus and amygdala. She has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Infosys Prize in Life Sciences and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. Her work not only advances neuroscience but also offers insights into neurological disorders. Shubha is committed to science education and inspiring future generations in India and globally.

In this compelling episode of "The Inductive Economy," host Vignesh Swaminathan welcomes Dr. Venkat Ram Reddy, a distinguished researcher from IIT Jodhpur's School of Management and Entrepreneurship, whose work intricately connects human psychology with economic phenomena. Together, they embark on a deep dive into the complexities of human decision-making, exploring the nuanced interplay between rationality, emotion, and economic behaviour.

Key Highlights:

About Dr. Venkat Ram Reddy:

Dr. Reddy is an esteemed scholar with a rich background in studying the intersections of behaviour, rationality, and economic systems. His research offers profound insights into the ways individual choices and societal structures interact, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our global economy.

Join Us:

Dive into this fascinating conversation that bridges the gap between individual psychology and macroeconomic trends. Whether you're a student of economics, a professional in the field, or simply curious about the forces that shape our world, this episode offers valuable perspectives and thought-provoking discussions.

Rate and Follow "The Inductive Economy" for more episodes that explore the intersection of Technology, Economics, Policy, and Progress, bringing together experts who share their knowledge and insights on the complexities of our modern world.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:38 - Cold Open

00:39 - 00:52 - Theme

00:53 - 02:55 - Introduction

02:56 - 06:11 - What’s Different about IIT Jodhpur?

06:11 - 10:57 - Rethinking the MBA Program at SME, IIT Jodhpur

10:58 - 15:20 - Venkat’s Journey as a Self-Taught Economist and Psychologist

15:21 - 24:49 - Venkat’s Influences on his Self-Learning Path - Herbert Simon, Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky

24:50 - 28:14 - Economics: Pre and Post the Influence of Psychology

28:15 - 34:36 - What’s the Relationship between Intelligence and Rationality?

34:37 - 44:53 - Effect vs. Affect and the Mis-measurement of Intelligence

44:54 - 55:35 - Inverting the Parent-Teacher Meeting: A Thought Experiment

55:36 - 59:39 - On The National Education Policy (2020)

59:40 - 01:04:26 - How to measure the outcomes of a Policy for analysis and improvement?

01:04:27 - 01:17:26 - Venkat’s Research on Labour ‘Addas’

01:17:27 - 01:22:50 - Rapid Fire

01:22:51 - 01:24:14 - Closing

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🔬 Welcome to the latest episode of "The Inductive Economy" where we delve into the captivating world of Computational Systems Biology with our distinguished guest, Dr. Karthik Raman from IIT Madras. 🧬

📚 Join Dr. Ashish Kulkarni, PhD in Economics from GIPE, as he simplifies complex economic concepts. In this video, Ashish and Vignesh talk about:

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Siddharth is an MBA from MDI Gurgaon and a B.E from NIT Trichy. He has 15 years of rich HR experience with a focus on performance, rewards, incentives, talent management and people analytics. He has worked across industries and geographies; with reputed companies like GE, Aon Hewitt, Hay Group, Towers Watson, Zomato and Times Internet.

Siddharth is also an acclaimed author. His debut novel was published in 2013. Blowfish, his second novel, was published by Bloomsbury in 2017. His first two books are now being adapted for an OTT release. Siddharth's third book unMind (released in 2020) is a graphic retelling of the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Read our Show Notes enhanced with helpful links, or watch the Full Video.

Recorded October 21, 2023.

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