As an 8th grader browsing a roadside used book seller in Bangalore Cantonment, India, Srinivas (Srini) Rao, R&D US Country Lead and Global Head of the Translational Models Research Platform (TIM), spent just pennies on a worn copy of "Microbe Hunters," first published in 1926. That chance encounter would ignite a lifelong passion for science and ultimately shape a career dedicated to transforming scientific breakthroughs into patient impact.

Today, Srini embodies the very principle that captivated him in those yellowed pages: "A quick look at science history immediately makes it clear that human history is written along the path of scientific discoveries."

This understanding of science as humanity's driving force shapes everything Srini does at Sanofi, where he leads multidisciplinary teams spanning Discovery Pathology, Bioimaging, Transgenic Models & Technology across four global sites. His work delivers cutting-edge scientific models and technologies critical to early drug development, supporting Sanofi's robust R&D pipeline with innovative approaches that push the boundaries of what's possible in modern medicine.

A Science-Led Approach to Breakthrough Innovation

At Sanofi, this commitment to scientific excellence translates into a distinctive approach to R&D. The company maintains a sharp focus on immunoscience, deeply investigating how diseases work at the most fundamental levels, examining pathways and mechanisms, types of cells involved, and their complex interactions. This rigorous investigation creates the foundation for targeted treatments that address root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.

But what truly sets Sanofi apart is its embrace of the AI revolution at scale. The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to dramatically reduce the time from discovery to commercialization of treatments and vaccines, accelerating the journey from laboratory insight to patient impact. By taking thoughtful risks and embracing innovative technologies Sanofi is revolutionizing how it approaches drug discovery and development.

"This is really one of those incredible moments in time, where we have to capitalize, adapt and progress," Srini notes with palpable excitement. "We have an opportunity to be not just a part of that change, but to really lead that change."

This leadership position stems from creating an environment where innovation is nurtured and collaboration flourishes. Srini has witnessed firsthand how scientific advancement has evolved from isolated, highly productive labs to interconnected, interdisciplinary teams working across therapeutic areas. "The biggest breakthroughs almost always come when we bring together different expertise, cutting edge technologies, and novel perspectives, all working toward the same goal."

This commitment extends globally as Sanofi collaborates with world-class institutions and organizations across leading scientific ecosystems worldwide. "Scientists are breaking away from siloed thinking," Srini emphasizes, "and actively endeavoring to build bridges across disciplines with a strong focus on human target validation of the targets." This approach begins with identifying barriers first and systematically working to overcome them.