Dr. Bikul Das is a renowned oncologist and stem cell researcher. After completing his medical training in India, he earned a Ph.D. in Oncology from the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto in 2007. Dr. Das has pioneered research in stem cell altruism, a novel field in biological altruism that challenges the conventional understanding of diseases like cancer and tuberculosis through the lens of Darwin’s evolutionary theory.
Medical Practice and Early Research
- Since 1994, Dr. Das has been practicing medical oncology through his telemedicine center in Sualkuchi, Assam, his birthplace and the starting point of his medical research career.
- In 2012, he identified altruistic behavior in embryonic stem cells at Stanford University, marking a significant milestone in stem cell research.
- Shortly thereafter, he established the KaviKrishna Laboratory at Guwahati Biotech Park, IIT-Guwahati, aiming to position India as a leader in altruistic stem cell research.
Key Contributions and Discoveries
- 2013: KaviKrishna Laboratory reported the role of stem cell altruism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis dormancy, published in Science Translational Medicine. This groundbreaking work has been validated by laboratories worldwide.
- 2018: Dr. Das founded the Thoreau Laboratory for Global Health in Boston, continuing his research in collaboration with KaviKrishna Laboratory.
- 2019: His teams reported that cancer stem cells hijack the mechanism of altruistic stem cells, with findings published in Cancer Research.
Research and Academic Guidance
- At Forsyth Institute, a Harvard University-affiliated research center, Dr. Das guided four Ph.D. students working on stem cell altruism.
- His current research includes developing organ-on-chip devices to explore new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for cancer and infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
Awards
- Young Investigator Award, Stanford University
- Harold John Edward Award, Canadian Cancer Society
- Schweisguth Award, International Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP, Netherlands)
- Scholar in Training Award, American Association of Cancer Research
- Hind-Rattan Award, Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Society, New Delhi
- Grand Challenge Award, Bill Gates Foundation
- Junior Investigator Award, DPLM, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
- Antioxidant Squalene Research Grant, Isshogenki International, Hong Kong
- Excellence in Medicine Award, Assam Down Town University, Assam
Funding
- National Institute of Health (NIH)-USA
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Laurel Foundation, California
- Angel investor Deter Beer, Canada
Publications and Contributions
- Dr. Das has published 75 papers and abstracts in leading international journals and conference proceedings.
- He has authored two books and three book chapters.
- He has delivered around 30 invited talks at international seminars, conferences, and universities across 15 countries.
Community Engagement
- Through his telemedicine care in Sualkuchi, Assam, Dr. Das has provided free consultancy and care to over 500 cancer patients since 1994.
- He has conducted numerous cancer awareness camps in Assam, significantly contributing to public health education and cancer prevention.
