From Bihar to Sydney, this is the inspiring story of a boy who began his journey studying under a kerosene lamp and went on to establish a pioneering NSW Brain Clot Bank.
@Dr. Sonu Bhaskar is the Director and Chief Investigator of the NSW Brain Clot Bank – the first of its kind in the world – located in Sydney. The biobank allows researchers to use cutting-edge robotics, advanced microscopy, and pathology techniques to analyze brain clots from patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke and investigate the causes at an individual level.
Coming from a supportive family, his grandfather and his books were his constant companions. Growing up in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, during the 80s meant walking several kilometers to school each day and studying amidst frequent power cuts.
His father, a bank clerk, couldn’t afford new books, so they frequented a second-hand bookstore where the owner became a cherished friend, often providing books for free.
Science and education became his solace. This path led him to earn a scholarship for medicine and neurosciences at the @University of Zaragoza in Spain, where his journey into neuroradiology, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging techniques began, with a particular focus on stroke patients.
After stints in the Netherlands, Spain, and Australia, his fascination with the human brain intensified, leading him to delve deeply into stroke research. Dr. Bhaskar’s interest in acute strokes inspired the idea of establishing a blood clot bio-bank, akin to cancer bio-banks.
Brain clots are digitally stored, accompanied by advanced microscopic brain imaging, contributing valuable data for stroke prevention and treatment research.
Initiated in 2017, the NSW Brain Clot Bank was established in 2019 after 2.5 years of dedicated effort. Dr. Bhaskar’s work earned him two European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Investigator Awards in 2019. His ultimate goal is to prevent stroke-related fatalities.
Beyond his research, Dr. Bhaskar engages in educational outreach, delivering lectures in schools and colleges. His commitment extends to promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly in supporting neuro-diverse kids to realize their full potential.
He is the recipient of several awards, including two European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Investigator Awards, the Australian Global Talent Award, the 40 Under 40 Asian-Australian Awards 2022 and many more.
Dr. Sonu Bhaskar’s journey from a humble beginning to pioneering the NSW Brain Clot Bank stands as a testament to the power of determination and passion and makes him an enduring source of inspiration for all.
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