UK Malayali researcher who won ₹26-cr fellowship develops smart therapy to heal broken bones

Kollam native Arathy Ram, an Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford, has a way with research and winning fellowships. In 2020, she received the Marie Curie Fellowship worth ₹2.7 crore for research on brain tumours at the University of Birmingham. Before that, she worked as a Junior Research Fellow at ISRO, Hyderabad. She has now backed it up with the coveted UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fellowship worth ₹26 crore.

This fund will help her develop a technology that uses body movement to heal broken bones and power medical devices such as pacemakers.

The four-year project, funded by the UKRI fellowship, will explore a new field known as piezoelectroceutics. This cutting-edge research harnesses mechanical energy produced by body movement to stimulate tissue regeneration and power medical device implants — all without the use of drugs, wires, or batteries. She went through multiple stages — internal reviews, external expert panels, and interviews to secure the fellowship.

For all the glory of her accomplishment, Arathy put out a moving post on her social media as a tribute to her middle-class upbringing. It also resonated with the emotions of a researcher who is also a mother and a wife.

"Coming from a middle-class family in a small village in Kerala, India, this moment feels truly surreal. To my better half, Afeesh Rajan Unnithan, whose unwavering belief in me never wavered, thank you for being my anchor through every storm. And to my little girl, who missed her mum’s late-night hugs and early-morning cuddles far too often, but you always supported me and proudly said that my mum is my role model, this is for you. Without your love, patience, and quiet strength, none of my achievements would have been possible," her post read. It was a thank-you note for her husband, Afeesh Rajan Unnithan, who is also a researcher at the University of Bradford, and for her daughter, Arushi.

Once started as rivals from different tuition centres, Arathy and Afeesh soon realised they would work together for each other’s growth and success. 

Arathy describes her work as bridging physics and medicine. “I mainly focus on applying physics theory to practical medical applications,” she told Onmanorama over an online interview. 
Afeesh focuses on developing next-generation electroactive biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

Arathy's story began in the quiet village of Kizhakkanela in Kollam, where she studied in Malayalam-medium government schools. After school, she pursued BSc and MSc degrees in Physics at the University of Kerala. Later, she completed an MPhil in Ecological Informatics from CUSAT and earned her PhD from Chonbuk National University in South Korea.

“There were difficulties switching from Malayalam to English during my higher secondary days. But I spent extra time understanding concepts. English is just a medium to learn, not a measure of capability,” she said. Her grandparents, both teachers, were particular that the children study in a Malayalam-medium government school.

"In 2019, I moved to Birmingham, which was around the same time Arathy received the Marie Curie Fellowship and started her position at Bradford. We began working in the same place, and today we even share the same office on campus," Afeesh said. The couple says they feel very comfortable collaborating together.

Afeesh describes their journey as the “rarest of rare” opportunity. “We constantly discuss new ideas and concepts, and working side by side makes it much easier,” he said. Arathy added, “I feel more relaxed sharing the same space with him. Otherwise, I would have to wait to tell him any updates or ideas. Now, I can immediately share them, which makes collaboration seamless.”

“Since we are in the same field, we understand each other,” Arathy said. “If I’m busy, he takes care of Arushi. We don’t compete anymore. Now it’s all about supporting each other. I’m a bit more relaxed after completing the grant application process and will begin my project in December. So, it’s his turn to apply for grants, and I’ll take care of Arushi. That’s how we maintain our balance. Our daughter is also a very understanding child,” she said.

Despite her towering achievements, she remains deeply connected to her roots. Coming from a family of teachers, she grew up valuing education and curiosity. “My grandparents were headteachers, and my aunt, who taught science, was a major inspiration,” she recalled. Her father, late Retd. Subedar Major Ramachandra Kurup was her greatest motivator.

“When I told him I wanted to shift from physics to an interdisciplinary course, he told me to go for it. He even told me to aim for a Nobel Prize. That was the kind of encouragement he gave me,” she said. In his honour, she named her research space ‘Ram’s Lab’.

Reflecting on her journey, Arathy said she feels grateful for the challenges that shaped her resilience. “If you’d asked me five years ago whether I could stay alone, I would have said no. But today, I’m stronger because of this journey.”

Her message to aspiring researchers is simple yet powerful: “Never limit yourself. Once you step out of your comfort zone, wonders will happen. Learn, explore, and enjoy the process," she said.
Afeesh echoes the same sentiment: “Love the changes. Extend your limits. Learn new things and embrace the unknown.”