Prof. Karthik Raman's primary research interests lie in computational systems biology, with a particular focus on the modelling and simulation of complex biological systems and networks. He is especially interested in understanding the design principles that govern biological systems through multi-scale computational modelling and theoretical approaches, and in exploring how these principles can be leveraged for applications in synthetic biology. His research also extends to the application of complex network science across a range of disciplines, both within and beyond biology.

Prof. Raman's PhD research focused on the modelling and simulation of (myco)bacterial metabolism, metabolic networks, and protein–protein interactions, with the aim of identifying improved drug targets for tuberculosis. He also developed computational models of the human immune system and its interactions with mycobacteria. During his postdoctoral research, he investigated the robustness and evolvability of biological systems, particularly TOR signalling networks, as well as artificial systems such as programmable hardware.