23 October 2025
We spoke with Dr. Latika Gupta, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Honorary Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Birmingham, and visiting scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, about her journey in clinical research.
Dr. Gupta’s work bridges patient care and scientific discovery. Her career has taken her from India to the UK, building international collaborations and studies that have shaped our understanding of autoimmune diseases.
In this Q&A, she shares what first inspired her to pursue research, how she balances clinical and academic work, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in clinical research?
During my training, I encountered patients with inflammatory myopathies who had such complex presentations that didn't fit established patterns. I realized we had significant gaps in understanding how these conditions manifested in diverse populations, but more importantly, I saw how closing these gaps could remarkably improve care. One of my first projects on infections in these patients really brought this home—we identified that >6.5 mg prednisolone was associated with serious infections. This led to a change in practice locally, as people from Asian backgrounds likely need different doses of immunosuppression, and tapering regimens may vary according to myositis subsets as well. Following this change, the occurrence of new serious infection cases came down. Seeing research directly translate into better outcomes for patients—that's what felt meaningful.
What does a typical day or week look like for you as a clinical researcher, and how does it differ from purely clinical work?
My weeks are deliberately structured to balance both worlds. Clinical days involve seeing patients, doing biopsies, and managing service responsibilities. Research days are split between thinking time blocked off in the mornings and meetings in the afternoons—this helps me focus during the most productive hours of the day. I have a long drive to work, which I've turned into learning time, listening to podcasts or audiobooks on wide-ranging topics from hobbies to immunology to grant writing. Days at the University and the Crick are spent discussing work with colleagues or attending lectures, making the most of my time there. Unlike purely clinical work, research requires this dedicated thinking time and benefits from diverse inputs—sometimes the most valuable insights come from unexpected sources during that casual conversation.
Can you share a project or study you've worked on that you're particularly proud of, and why it stands out to you?
I'm particularly proud of our work characterizing myositis in the Indian demographic. I developed a biorepository linked with clinical resources that's still valuable and has contributed to international collaborative efforts. I really enjoy establishing these big datasets with multiple research questions that can be answered and continue to contribute to global efforts even years later. The COVAD study is another example—it was led by patient voice and established crucial vaccine safety data in autoimmune conditions, and we've since published on quality of life and other themes from the same cohort. There's something deeply satisfying about building infrastructure that keeps giving back to the community.
What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in your research career?
First and foremost: curiosity. Never stop asking questions. Visiting different environments and institutions has been transformative—each place teaches you something new. But what I've found most powerful is developing diverse skill sets and working at the intersection of specialties—whether that's immunology, digital health, or social sciences like health equity. When you develop research from the intersection of different realms, you often find the most interesting and impactful questions. And perhaps most important of all: working with people you genuinely enjoy spending time with. The best science happens when you're working with people you'd happily grab a coffee with.
What have been the biggest challenges in your research journey, and how have you overcome them?
Retraining in England after establishing myself as an Associate Professor in India was challenging—rebuilding collaborations and navigating different healthcare systems while maintaining research momentum. Building a comprehensive biorepository from scratch required sustained effort and resources, and support from colleagues. The biggest ongoing challenge is balancing clinical service demands with research productivity. I've overcome these by leveraging international collaborations to maintain research continuity, and being strategic about which projects align with both clinical service needs and research goals. Mentorship has been invaluable—both receiving it and now providing it through the IMACS mentorship program.
What advice would you give to early career rheumatologists who are curious about pursuing a career in research?
Start with clinical questions that genuinely puzzle you—research is sustained by curiosity, not just opportunity. Seek international experiences early; my fellowships fundamentally shaped my scientific thinking. Don't wait for perfect circumstances—I built my cohort with limited resources by being systematic and collaborative. Develop skills in emerging areas like AI, but ground them in solid clinical understanding. Most importantly, find your community—join collaborative research, and don't underestimate the power of social media for networking and learning. Research can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Finally, integrate patient perspectives from the beginning—it will make your research more relevant and impactful.