Meet the Advisory Groups: Our Q&A with Sharad Kamble

Dr Sharad Ramchandra Kamble has a PhD in Life Sciences (Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences) from the University of Bradford. He is a Microbiologist with around 14 years experience with Pharma R&D, Pathology Labs, Research and Medical Devices C&D Validations.

What first sparked your love of microbiology?

When I began my Bachelor of Science studies, I had the option to pursue Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, or Chemistry. As we delved into the subjects and began practical work, I vividly remember the first time I saw tiny microbes under the microscope. I was utterly fascinated by these minuscule creatures and the vast, hidden worlds they inhabit.

I came to realise that microbes are everywhere. They were the first life forms on Earth, and they may well be the last. I admire their extraordinary adaptability and resilience. They play a crucial role in solving global challenges—contributing to the nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, and carbon cycles, and aiding in the decomposition of organic matter.

Microbes offer us a remarkable array of benefits: they help produce fermented foods and beverages, antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics. Intriguingly, they are capable of causing diseases, yet they also possess the power to cure them.

I am captivated by this microscopic world—a treasure trove of life, complexity, and potential, all contained within the tiniest of living forms.

What’s the microbe that most fascinates you and why?

I love this question. If I had to choose one microbe that truly captivates me, it would be Deinococcus radiodurans—often nicknamed “Conan the Bacterium.” Actually, my mind goes crazy with all these kinda extremophiles..

Why it’s so fascinating:

• Extreme resilience: This microbe can survive up to 5,000 grays of ionising radiation—thousands of times more than what would kill a human. It can also endure extreme cold, dehydration, and even the vacuum of space.
• DNA repair mastery: After being shattered by radiation, it can reassemble its genome with astonishing precision. It’s like watching a biological jigsaw puzzle solve itself.
• Biotechnological potential: Scientists are exploring its use in cleaning up radioactive waste and even in developing life-support systems for space travel.

It’s a reminder that life isn’t just fragile—it can be astonishingly tough, adaptable, and clever. D. radiodurans doesn’t just survive; it thrives in places we thought were utterly inhospitable.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? 

One piece of career advice that really stuck with me—passed around by wise minds in the working world—is this:

“Don’t just build a career. Build a reputation.” I am also in the same path.

Why it resonates:

• Skills get you in the door, but your reputation keeps you in the room.
• It’s not just about being good at what you do—it’s about being known for how you do it: with integrity, reliability, and a touch of brilliance.
• Reputation travels faster than résumés. People talk, and opportunities often come from those conversations.

It’s the kind of advice that nudges you to think long-term, to treat every interaction as part of your professional legacy. Whether you’re writing emails, leading meetings, or solving problems—how you show up matters.

What real-world problem would you eventually love to solve with microbiology?

If I could wield microbiology like a magic wand, I’d aim it straight at one of the most pressing and complex challenges of our time: plastic pollution.

Why this problem?

• We produce over 400 million tonnes of plastic every year, and much of it ends up in landfills, oceans, and even inside living organisms.
• Traditional recycling barely scratches the surface, and plastics like PET and polystyrene can take centuries to degrade.

Microbiology’s secret weapon:

• Certain microbes—like Ideonella sakaiensis—have evolved enzymes that can break down PET plastics into their basic components.
• With genetic engineering and synthetic biology, we could enhance these microbes to work faster, on more types of plastic, and in diverse environments.
• Imagine microbial bioreactors that digest plastic waste and convert it into useful byproducts like biofuels or biodegradable materials.

It’s not just cleanup—it’s transformation. Microbes could help us close the loop on plastic, turning a global crisis into a regenerative cycle.

If you had the power to solve one problem with science, what would you choose?

The primary vaccine used against tuberculosis (TB) is the BCG vaccine, short for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. It’s been around for over a century and is still the go-to option in many parts of the world.

What makes the BCG vaccine special:

• It’s most effective at preventing severe forms of TB in children, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB.
• It’s not routinely given in countries with low TB incidence, like the UK, unless someone is at higher risk—such as healthcare workers, people from high-incidence countries, or those travelling to such regions.
• You only need one dose, typically administered shortly after birth or in early childhood.

The future of TB vaccines:

• Researchers are working on new-generation TB vaccines that could offer better protection for adults and tackle drug-resistant strains.
• Some promising candidates are in clinical trials, aiming to improve immunity and reduce transmission more effectively than BCG.

TB remains a global health challenge, especially with rising antibiotic resistance. A more effective vaccine could be a game-changer in the fight against this ancient disease.

What keeps you awake at night?

Highly spreading MDR and new evolving challenges, including the old TB, AIDS, and viral infections.

What do you do to relax in your spare time?

Read the scientific articles, meditate, think about the current issues and how we can tackle those with our microbial help.

Why did you apply to become a Global Ambassador, and what would you like to do in your new role?

As a microbiologist with over 18 years of experience across academic, industrial, and regulatory sectors, I joined the AMI Scientific Advisory Group to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of applied microbiology. AMI’s mission to bridge science, policy, and innovation aligns closely with my own professional values and aspirations. I see this role as an opportunity to collaborate with fellow experts, share insights from my work in pharmaceutical microbiology, medical device validation, and fermentation technology, and help shape the future of microbiological standards and practices.

In this role, I aim to:

• Support evidence-based policy development by contributing technical expertise in cGMP, GLP, and regulatory frameworks.
• Advocate for innovation in microbiological instrumentation, drawing from my experience with precision tools like Biosafety cabinets, laminar air flow cabinets, safety cabinets for chemical handling, Lab fermenters, Microscopy, QA/QC/RA in Pharmaceuticals, Microbiology, Biochemistry in Pathology laboratories, spectrophotometers, and cleanroom protocols.
• Mentor early-career scientists and promote interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry.
• Contribute to AMI publications, workshops, and strategic initiatives that advance microbiological research and public health impact.

Microbiology isn’t just my field—it’s my lens for solving real-world problems. I want to use this role to amplify its impact and inspire others to see microbes not just as threats, but as allies in healing our planet.

What are you doing at the moment?

Most recently, I served as a Senior Scientist–Microbiologist at Azotic Technologies in Dunnington, York—an exciting agricultural biotech startup. My role encompassed everything from laboratory setup and experimental design to SOP development, quality control and assurance, health and safety protocols, and comprehensive testing of production products.

I also led stability studies for both liquid and dry formulations over a three-year period and contributed to regulatory documentation and product registration efforts across multiple countries, including the USA, Canada, France, Germany, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Ukraine, and Turkey.

As of August 18 2025, I’ve been enjoying a well-earned holiday with my children and am currently open to new professional opportunities.