In this authorized biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the inaugural chief scientist at \nthe World Health Organization who served during the COVID 19 pandemic, Anuradha \nMascarenhas tells the remarkable story of a career encompassing medicine, research, \ndecision-making and philanthropy. She provides insights into the life of the globally \nacclaimed researcher drawing upon exclusive interviews with her family members, \nparticularly her illustrious father, Dr M.S. Swaminathan, close friends and eminent \nscientists and researchers. She includes little-known anecdotes and stories from \nSwaminathan's days at school, college, universities and institutions in India and \nabroad. \nSome of the questions that are posed and answered include: Why did Dr Soumya \nSwaminathan initially refuse a top post at the World Health Organization? What made \nher reconsider? How did she tackle the challenges posed by the brutal COVID-19 \npandemic to emerge as one of the most trusted scientific voices in the world? \nMascarenhas shows how Swaminathan’s unflappable and compassionate nature, her \nability to connect with people and her willingness to work with others earned her \nworldwide recognition. At the Wheel of Research is an inspiring portrait of an impressive \nleader and a physician-scientist with a big heart.