Kalpani Somarathne

The international language of science drew Kalpani to pursue a PhD in chemistry, then transition into interdisciplinary work as a government funding assessor.

After trying out different science disciplines at school, I was most fascinated with chemistry as it is a central science with a good connection to the other sciences. The underlying rules are clear and there is a logic to it. As someone who was born and raised in Sri Lanka, I also find there is a universal language and culture with chemistry that connects us all. Not only is chemistry a central science, but it is highly portable. I found I was really good at organic chemistry and making new compounds. The aspect of lab work I enjoyed most was setting up and running an experiment using set techniques and then seeing if those techniques were going to work. It’s like detective work really, and I enjoyed collaborating with my peers in the labs, discussing, drawing up formulas, and coming to solutions.

After completing my PhD and a year as a research assistant with BDG Synthesis, a company based at Callaghan Innovation’s campus, I moved to my current role as an assessor. I had had an introduction to this type of work in a summer internship with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, where I was finding referees for research funding applications in various disciplines.

While I missed working in the lab at first, I enjoyed the transition to an office environment. There is more flexibility, and it is different. The lab is quite physically and mentally demanding, though that can also be exciting. In an advisory or regulatory work environment, we take a broader approach. One of the roles of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, where I am now, is to administer the Marsden Fund and other research fellowships on behalf of the government.

I still feel as though I am part of the research community and I get to keep up to date with current trends in terms of research and practice. The work is interdisciplinary, meaning we receive a wide variety of research proposals: a mixture of biomedical, physical, and organic chemistry as well as social science and humanities research. I find I often have to go outside of my subject ‘comfort zone’ but I apply the same skills such as problem solving, communication, and knowledge of research methodologies.