Meet Ilakya, Our Future Research Talent student for 2025

The Centre for Personalised Medicine is a proud participant of the Future Research Talent program offered by ANU. This highly competitive and prestigious program attracts the very best international students from India in various fields of research. This opportunity allows talented students to develop their research skills at one of the worlds’ leading universities.

Meet our Future Research Talent student, for 2025, Ilakya Ilanthiraiyan who was happy to share a bit about her journey to Canberra.

CPM PhD student Gemma Hart and FRT student Ilakya Ilanthiraiyan

Hi, I’m Ilakya Ilanthiraiyan I’m originally from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and I completed my undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at PSG College of Arts & Science. Currently, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Biotechnology at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Centre for Personalised Medicine (CPM) at the Australian National University (ANU) through the Future Research Talent (FRT) Scholarship Program.

What motivated you to apply for the FRT scholarship?

The FRT Program felt like a stroke of luck and perfect timing. Thanks to VIT’s strong global academic network, I came across the FRT opportunity through a campus email announcement. I’ve always wanted to work in labs, experimenting, and making real-world contributions. At one point, I considered becoming a doctor, but I later realised I wanted to dive deeper into the science that drives medicine. That is where the FRT program came in - it gave me the perfect opportunity to experience life in a research lab and understand what working in cutting-edge biomedical science really feels like.

What surprised you the most about living in Australia, particularly in Canberra?

To be honest, I never imagined myself studying or living in Australia, even though it’s home to some of the world’s most respected universities. But arriving here has been such a pleasant surprise, especially Canberra. Despite landing during peak winter, the fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming community have made it feel like home. Canberra is the ideal blend of a university town and a peaceful retreat. From green spaces and wildlife (yes, kangaroos!) to the vibrant cityscape and cosy countryside, I have enjoyed exploring farmers' markets, ice skating, bowling, and weekend adventures. The work-life balance and hospitality here have been truly inspiring.

What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned while working at the CPM lab?

From the start, I felt welcomed and supported in the lab - the rapport between colleagues, PhD scholars, and supervisors was excellent, and I had no trouble fitting in. Immunology was a relatively new field for me, but the team ensured I had time to understand everything. My PhD mentor, Gemma Hart, patiently guided me through each protocol, while my supervisor encouraged me to explore, contribute ideas, and gain as much practical experience as possible within a short span.

I’ve always been fascinated by immunology and how a deeper understanding of it can help address real diseases. The Centre for Personalised Medicine is equipped with advanced technologies and a culture that encourages innovation and it was the perfect environment to learn and grow. At CPM, I learned key techniques such as flow cytometry, western blotting, and other immunological assays. Working in such a collaborative, resource-rich, and interdisciplinary environment helped me grow in confidence and competence - from optimizing staining protocols to interpreting flow data from murine models, I developed a deep understanding of experimental immunology.

What skills have you developed during your time here that you think will help you in your future studies?

This experience has taught me far more than laboratory techniques. I have learned adaptability, an essential trait in research. Each day presented new challenges and learning curves, pushing me to be flexible, think critically, and collaborate across disciplines.

Beyond technical skills like immunophenotyping and cell stimulation assays but more importantly, I have honed soft skills like scientific communication, collaboration in an interdisciplinary team, and managing time across multiple experiments. These will be crucial in any future research role.

What skills have you developed during your time here that you think will help you in your future studies?

This has been a stepping stone for my future, as I aim to pursue PhD after my masters. Now that I got the taste of working in a lab like this, I would love to choose this as my career path in research. This experience has reinforced my passion for immunology and confirmed my interest in pursuing a PhD in translational medicine, possibly focusing on autoimmune diseases. Being here has shown me the value of interdisciplinary research and has motivated me to aim for a global research career that bridges clinical and molecular science.

What advice would you give to other students from India who are considering applying to international research programs like this one?

Programs like FRT are more than just academics, they value curiosity, motivation, and the drive to learn. For anyone considering such an opportunity, I encourage you to apply boldly, be open to new experiences, and make the most of every learning moment. It can truly be a life-changing opportunity

What has been your proudest moment during your time at CPM?

One of my proudest moments was presenting results on the role of IRF5, a meaningful contribution to ongoing discussions in the lab. I would like to express my sincere thanks to my home institution VIT, my supportive supervisors, and colleagues, and most importantly, my family My father, Hon’ble Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Judge of the Madras High Court, my mother, P. Ilanangai, Patent Agent & IPR Consultant, my brother, Inian Ilanthiraiyan, Lawyer, and other family & friends, their unwavering support and encouragement helped me make the most of this incredible opportunity. The FRT program and my time at CPM have not only shaped me as a young researcher but have also given me memories, friendships, and skills that I’ll carry for a lifetime. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship, the inclusive environment, and the chance to be part of meaningful science.