June 30, 2026

Siva Ratnakar Immadi: Proteins, poetry, and creative spaces

In this Q&A, Siva Ratnakar Immadi, a PhD student in the Diss group and one of FMI’s PhD representatives, reflects on his fascination with the molecular world, his work on protein interactions, and the role of creativity and community in science.

What drew you to science, and what is the central question of your PhD project?
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the miniature world of molecules: how they move, interact, and come together to create life. In Guillaume’s lab, we use genetic screens to measure the interaction strength of millions of proteins, then use those data to build models of protein interaction. My project focuses on SH3 domains and peptides, and on understanding how and why they bind.

Why is this important?
Understanding protein interactions could help us design peptides or drugs that inhibit or enhance specific protein functions. That has potential applications in areas such as oncology and protein design. SH3 domains are a useful system for studying these questions because they are widespread in cells and involved in processes such as signaling and transport.

As a PhD representative, what have you learned about supporting PhD students?
The FMI PhD community is strong because there are many ways for people to connect, from PhD lunches, retreats, board game nights, and happy hours to running, football, cricket, and other sport groups. As representatives, we try to support that sense of community and make it easier for students to share challenges, organize activities, and feel connected. The role can look like a lot of work, but it is fulfilling because it helps the community grow together. With elections coming up in September, we also hope more PhD students will consider joining as representatives.

You also created an internal Viva Engage digital community inspired by the movie Dead Poets Society. What is the idea behind it?
The idea is to create a space outside the scientific rigor of the lab: a place for people to share poems, lines, drawings, photographs, unfinished work, music, or anything that inspires them. Labs nurture the intellectual side of life at the FMI; this space is meant to nurture the creative side, which I think is also essential for science.

How do poetry and art fit into your life as a scientist?
I see myself as a scientist in mind and a poet at heart. Poetry, literature, and philosophy help me see the beauty in scientific pursuit. My dream is to contribute to society through science, but it is the beauty of the pursuit that drives me. Even after a difficult day in the lab, writing and reading give me solace and wonder.

What creative activities do you enjoy?
I write poetry and prose, often inspired by Indian and Telugu literature. I also play tabla, cajon, dholak, and other percussion instruments, and I sometimes join jam sessions with the Indian community in Basel.

What would you say to someone who wants to join the Dead Poets Society digital community but feels unsure?
You do not need to be an artist to join. Scientists are poetic in many ways because we dedicate our lives to abstract concepts and try to make sense of them. If you have a favorite poem, a photograph, a piece of music, a fleeting thought, or even something unfinished, bring it. Anything creative at the FMI belongs there.