In a world increasingly defined by complexity, uncertainty, and the relentless pace of innovation, Mangala Srinivas emerges as a remarkable figure who unites deep scientific insight with global leadership. A trailblazer in medical imaging and immunology, a transformative academic leader, and a respected voice in European science policy, she is redefining what it means to be a scientist in the 21st century.
With a career that effortlessly weaves through academia, biotechnology, and high-level policymaking, Mangala Srinivas stands not only as a symbol of scientific excellence but also as a testament to the power of integration—of research and application, of discovery and impact, of motherhood and ambition.
Mangala Srinivas: Early Roots of Curiosity and Courage
Mangala’s scientific journey began in Singapore, where her passion for the life sciences was ignited at the National University of Singapore. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for discovery, she pursued her PhD at Carnegie Mellon University (USA)—a leap that would set her on a path toward global recognition. Early in her career, she broke new ground by pioneering 19F MRI for in vivo cell tracking, an innovative technique that opened the door to real-time monitoring of therapeutic cells inside the human body.
What sets her apart is not just her technical brilliance, but her ability to see connections others might miss—between technologies, disciplines, people, and purpose.
Pioneering Science with Purpose
Now a Full Professor and Chair of Cell Biology & Immunology at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands, Mangala Srinivas leads a department of 30+ staff and touches the academic lives of over 2000 students annually. Her lab is a vibrant hub of translational research, blending fundamental science with applied clinical relevance.
Her work focuses on multifunctional nanoparticles—tiny agents that can deliver oxygen, track immune cells, and even modulate immune responses. These tools, developed in her lab, are not just theoretical—they’ve gone from benchtop to bedside, reaching clinical trials and commercial success. With support from prestigious grants like ERC, NWO VENI, and EIC Transition Open, Mangala’s team is advancing personalized medicine by integrating multiple imaging techniques—MRI, PET, ultrasound, photoacoustics, and fluorescence.
She’s not just studying disease. She’s building the tools to fight it—smarter, earlier, and more precisely.
Mangala Srinivas: From Researcher to Scientific Advisor to the European Commission
In 2024, Mangala Srinivas made history as the first person from WUR and only the third based in the Netherlands to be appointed to the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) to the European Commission. This elite group provides independent, evidence-based advice to the European Union’s top policymakers.
Her appointment signals something powerful: a recognition that the future of science isn’t just in labs—it’s in legislation. At this level, Mangala influences decisions that affect millions, shaping EU policy on sustainability, science funding, inclusion, and innovation.
In her words and actions, Mangala champions science that is not only excellent but equitable, accessible, and impact-driven.
The Entrepreneurial Edge: From Academia to Industry
As Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of Cenya Imaging B.V., a biotech spin-off from her own lab, Mangala Srinivas brings her discoveries to life in the real world. The company was born out of her team’s win at the Dutch Venture Challenge, where their cell-tracking technology attracted attention from investors and clinicians alike.
Beyond academic walls, she also worked at GE Healthcare, scouting cutting-edge technologies and evaluating their strategic potential in medical imaging. Her industry experience adds rare depth to her understanding of how science can—and should—scale.
Championing Diversity, Open Science, and Academic Reform
Mangala Srinivas is more than a scientist. She is a leader for change. As the former Chair of the Young Academy of Europe, she led initiatives on Open Science, researcher evaluation reform, and gender equity. Her influence has reached global forums—from UNESCO to the European Parliament, from Nature to EU-funded projects like CALIPER.
She serves on advisory boards like Open Research Europe, mentors the next generation of scholars, and consistently advocates for a science ecosystem that is fair, transparent, and inclusive.
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