In the frame of the international strategies and common actions of the Écoles normales supérieures in France, ENS de Lyon has taken the lead in the creation of a partnership with the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) in India.

In 2018 the ENS-IISER network implemented a framework agreement allowing their institutions to collaborate on different levels: development of exchange programs, joint training, seminars, joint research and publications, as well as research internships.

Kush GULATI experience at ENS de Lyon

Kush GULATI, 23 years old, completed his six-month internship at IGFL under the supervision of Yad GHAVI HELM. He is a student at IISER Mohali, and his research focuses on analysing single-cell RNA-seq data in skin samples. Eager to explore both academic and industry pathways in the field of computational biology, Kush seized the opportunity to broaden his horizons through international experience.

Before arriving in France, Kush admitted he had limited knowledge about the country. However, his early days quickly reshaped any uncertainties. Kush described his time at ENS de Lyon as deeply enriching, not only academically but also personally.

I found France to be really nice and beautiful. Contrary to stereotypes, French people were not rude at all and everyone was very kind and welcoming. The internship gave me the chance to work alongside people from many different countries. I really enjoyed building those connections and I hope to maintain them moving forward.

When asked about his choice of destination, Kush explained that ENS de Lyon came up repeatedly in his research as one of the most prestigious institution. His work focused on acquiring and applying skills in bioinformatics and computational biology fields that are increasingly critical in biomedical research. 

I read about it online and was immediately drawn to its academic reputation and research environment. I learned a lot during this internship and it really helped me gain hands-on experience and improve my technical abilities

One hurdle he did encounter was a delay in visa processing, caused by administrative closures during the school holidays. Despite this, he remained positive and adaptive throughout his stay.

Kush highly recommend doing an internship at ENS de Lyon, under the BIOSANTEXC program.

The professors are excellent, and the overall support is outstanding. It’s a great place to learn, grow, and prepare for the next stage of your academic or professional journey.

As Kush returns to consider new paths possible in academia or industry he carries with him a wealth of experience, new friendships, and a clearer vision for his future. His story is a testament to the value of international exchange and the vibrant academic life at ENS de Lyon.