In this exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the inaugural chief scientist at the World Health Organization who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anuradha Mascarenhas tells the remarkable story of a career encompassing medicine, research, decision-making and philanthropy. She provides insights into the life of the globally acclaimed researcher drawing upon interviews with her family members, particularly her illustrious father, Dr M.S. Swaminathan, close friends and eminent scientists and researchers. She includes little-known anecdotes and stories from Swaminathan’s days at school, college, universities and institutions in India and abroad.