This month, we’d like you to meet Dr. Arun Vadivel: 
Dr. Arun K Anguraj Vadivel, PhD is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Brain Tumour Research Centre at SickKids, Toronto. His work integrates multi-omics using machine learning (ML), and experimentation to advance precision medicine for paediatric brain tumours, especially diffuse midline glioma (DMG). Leveraging whole-genome/exome sequencing, RNA-seq, DNA-methylation arrays, quantitative proteomics, post translational modifications, and metabolomics, he built pipelines that fuse these layers with similarity network fusion, NetDx, and in-house pipeline using scikit-learn. His integrative approach pinpointed METTL13 as a therapeutic dependency in DMG; inhibition extends survival in xenograft models and was published in Neuro-Oncology (2025). In parallel, he showed that dietary methionine restriction prolongs survival in DMG models and created a protein-based ML classifier that distinguishes six paediatric brain tumour entities with 99 % accuracy.
Dr. Anguraj Vadivel’s vast bench-to-bioinformatics experience spans protein purification, LC–MS/MS, DDA/DIA MS data analysis, and NGS workflows. He has discovered cerebrospinal-fluid biomarkers that may enable minimally invasive patient monitoring. Former experience as Biomedical Data Analyst at BenchSci and PhD at Western University sharpened his ability to translate datasets into actionable insights for both academic and industry stakeholders. A committed leader, he collaborates with teams across SickKids, Carleton University, and the University of Toronto, and has mentored seven trainees on projects ranging from synthetic-peptide therapeutics to liquid biopsy. His grant-writing contributions have secured over CAD 500,000 in external funding and underpin a CAD 1.8 million CIHR proposal now under review. He belongs to the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the Human Proteome Organization, serves as a reviewer for Scientific Reports and Brain Pathology, and has delivered lectures and award-winning presentations on three continents. These accomplishments and his expertise in proteomics, data integration, and bioinformatics position Dr. Anguraj Vadivel to excel as a rising scientist dedicated to enhancing protein-based diagnostics and improving patient outcomes.
Another big thank you as well to our competition sponsor, Taylor and Francis!
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