IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on July 22, 2025

Sasmita Tripathy has been a runner for many years, a sport she loves for both her physical and psychological well-being. Through her testimony, she shows us how all spheres of her life are interrelated; a touching reflection that highlights her determination, her kindness and her will to change things, both in the laboratory and in her personal life. IRIC is proud to present this inspiring personality.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Sasmita Tripathy. I’m 55 years old, born and raised in Bhubaneswar, India, and I’ve called Montreal home since 2000. For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated my life to the discovery and development of new medicines, working as a medicinal chemist to fight cancer and other devastating diseases. Today, I have the privilege of serving as Assistant Director at the Drug Discovery Unit at IRIC. Here, I lead a passionate and talented team, united by a common goal: to translate cutting-edge science into real hope for patients. Every day, we strive to design compounds not just with precision, but also with purpose because behind every molecule is the possibility of healing, of time regained, and of lives transformed.

At what point in your life did you start running, and for what reasons?

I started running when I was a little girl, simply because I loved to move. Running made me feel alive, strong, and deeply connected to the world around me. I often ran in school competitions and with friends, but even then, it was more than just a sport. It was joy, release, and expression. As I grew older and life became more demanding with work, family, and responsibilities, running evolved into something deeper. It became my sanctuary: a space where I could breathe, let go, and reconnect with myself. I often run early in the morning, using that quiet time to reset and begin the day with renewed focus and energy. For me, running is a form of moving meditation. It clears my mind, strengthens my body, and grounds me emotionally. it’s a passion that continues to bring balance, clarity, and resilience into my life.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date in terms of distance traveled and/or selected running event?

Though I’ve never run more than 25 kilometers, reaching that milestone is a personal goal. But for me, running has always been about more than distance—it’s about purpose, passion, and presence. One of the most meaningful moments in my journey was the 2024 Beneva Half-Marathon in Montreal. It wasn’t just my first major race; it was a deeply personal experience. I ran not only to support cancer research at IRIC, where I devote my life’s work, but also in honor of someone close to me battling cancer. She became the symbol of my run, and every step was a message of strength and solidarity. That day, my love for running and my mission to fight cancer came together, reminding me that progress, in any form, is always worth the effort. It reminded me that every step forward, whether in science or on the road, can be part of something far greater than ourselves. That day, I wasn’t just running, I was running for patients, for progress, and above all, for hope.

During the 2024 edition of the Beneva Marathon in Montreal, you raised a significant amount for the IRIC team to benefit research. What was your main motivation for becoming significantly involved in the cause?

At IRIC, I’m lucky to work with a team of dedicated scientists who give their best every day to fight cancer. For the 2024 Beneva Half-Marathon, I wanted to do my part beyond the lab. Running was my way of supporting my colleagues and the important work we do together. It wasn’t just about raising money, it was about being part of something bigger. Every step reminded me that we’re all in this together, working toward the same hope: better treatments and brighter futures for patients. That made the experience truly special for me.

You are committed as a professional at IRIC. Do you also have personal motivations and/or personal stories related to cancer that drive you to excel in research?

Yes, like many, I’ve seen friends and loved ones affected by cancer. My grandmother passed away from breast cancer when I was just three and a half years old, and I still vividly remember my mother’s pain at losing her own mother. These personal connections make the work I do feel urgent and deeply meaningful. It’s not just science, it’s hope.

What is your wish for the future of cancer research?

My wish is for cancer research to become more personalized and accessible, so that the right treatment reaches the right person at the right time. I hope to see faster transitions from lab discoveries to the patients who need them most.

Why is it important to donate to cancer research?

Every donation is more than a gift, it’s an investment in life, in hope, and in the future. It fuels the research that could lead to the next breakthrough and supports the scientists who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, with quiet determination. Cancer touches nearly every family. It doesn’t discriminate, and its impact is profound. That’s why funding research is one of the most powerful ways we can fight back.

What would you like to say to someone who wants to start running but doesn’t know where to begin?

Start small and be kind to yourself. You don’t need to be fast, and you don’t need to go far, just begin, exactly where you are. Even a simple walk-run routine can be incredibly powerful. What matters most is showing up for yourself, one step at a time. The key is consistency and learning to listen to your body with patience and care. Some days will feel light and effortless, others are more difficult and that’s okay. With time, you’ll find your rhythm, and with it, a quiet strength and peace that only running can offer. There’s something beautiful that happens when your breath falls into step with your movement, when the world around you soften and it’s just you and the road.

Do you have a quote / a proverb that inspires you?

“Expectations always lead to disappointment.”

It’s a quote my father shared with me when I was young, and over time, it’s become a quiet truth that has shaped the way I live. At first, I didn’t understand it fully, but through life’s many ups and downs, I’ve come to see its wisdom. This simple phrase taught me to let go of rigid outcomes and be fully present. Whether I’m running, doing research, or spending time with the people I love, I try to show up wholeheartedly without being attached to how things should unfold. Life is fragile and fleeting. We can’t control the future, and we can’t change the past. What we truly have is this moment, this step, this breath, this heartbeat. This mindset has brought me peace, even during challenges. It reminds me to work with sincerity, to love without conditions, and to give kindness freely. Because when we let go of expectations, we make space for real connection, quiet purpose, and lasting joy not from what we gain, but from how fully we choose to live.

Which personality is inspiring to you, and why?

Mahatma Gandhi has always been a quiet but powerful source of inspiration in my life. His strength wasn’t loud, it came from humility, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to truth and compassion. His words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” have guided me in both my personal journey and my work as a scientist. Gandhi taught that true change begins within. That belief has shaped how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I show up each day in the lab, at home, and in my community. His philosophy reminds me that even the smallest acts, done with love and purpose, can create ripple effects far beyond what we see. In research, progress is often slow, filled with setbacks and uncertainty. But Gandhi’s patience and perseverance inspire me to keep going to trust that each step, each experiment, each molecule, matters. And just like him, I believe in serving something greater than myself.