VIDO researcher named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40®

In only eight years, Banerjee has gone from a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to a principal scientist at USask’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), adjunct professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), and Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Virus and Animal Reservoirs.  

“It’s kind of unreal for me," said Banerjee when asked about his early success. "I really have to thank my mentors. I cherish my relationship with my PhD supervisor, Dr. Vikram Misra. He really went above and beyond training me and my postdoctoral supervisor, Dr. Karen Mossman did the same thing. Everything they put into me is who I’ve become, and I am so very grateful.” 

As a globally recognized researcher in zoonotic viruses including those carried by wildlife that have the potential to spread to people, Banerjee has won numerous awards early in his career including the Governor General’s Gold Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Emerging Leader award. 

Now he’s been named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40®, which recognizes individuals engaging in work that has significant impact on their communities. Honourees are recognized as innovative leaders and visionaries within their field.  

“It’s an honour to be named as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40®,” said Banerjee. “Everyone that has won is so accomplished and I’m really looking forward to learning from them.” 

Banerjee’s work has a significant impact in Canada and around the world. As a principal scientist at VIDO, Banerjee and his students work to understand how viruses interact with their wildlife and human hosts with the goal of reducing sickness in diseased animals and humans. 

“I am seeing myself evolve and change as a researcher. In my heart, I am a blue-sky scientist that wants to figure out why viruses exist and how they work, but I am more interested now in developing solutions and stopping fatalities viruses can cause,” said Banerjee. 

About 50 per cent of Banerjee’s lab is now looking at translating their discoveries into life-saving therapeutics, focusing on antiviral treatments that can be used to treat viral outbreaks while scientists work towards vaccines that prevent them. In the future, he is hoping to launch a biotech startup that focuses on antiviral therapies. 

Banerjee attributes his continued success to his team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians, and hopes to help student researchers reach their potential by emulating the mentors that fostered his career. 

“I really believe that you bring in the right people, the brightest people, and you let them create magic in your lab,” said Banerjee. “Every day I come to work and I am so excited about what my team is going to discover today.”