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.

Raghav GALGALI experience at ENS de Lyon

Raghav GALGALI, is a 22 years old student, currently doing a Master’s degree at IISER Bhopal. He has successfully completed a six-month internship at ENS de Lyon, under the supervision of Dr. Filipe DE VADDER on Intestinal Physiology of Host-Microbe Interactions.

IISER’s tie-up with ENS de Lyon allowed him to apply for the said internship program. His field of interest is not yet properly established in India, and so an internship at ENS de Lyon was the opportunity to train in an institution at the forefront in research. 

I chose ENS de Lyon because I would be able to gain exposure in one of the best places to learn about nutrition and physiology

Raghav had not heard about ENS de Lyon before, but he had always been interested in food and global politics and therefore knew a little bit about France. This internship was an opportunity for him to learn more about the School and about the French culture. Although he didn't have much interactions with other interns appart from his fellow indian and IGFL interns, Raghav appreciated those moments. 

 The interactions I had were fruitful, and helped me a lot in personal growth.

Through his internship, Raghav gained exposure to a diverse network of scientists and fellow researchers, which helped shape his career aspirations. Hereflects on the skills he gained during this time:

“I acquired many laboratory skills in the course of the internship, as well as soft skills through the workshops and seminars organized by my host lab and/or IGFL.”

His arrival in France was unforgettable, he recalls. He was immediately struck by the amazing public transportation and was greeted by warm and welcoming people.Raghav states that his expectations were met.

My stay in France was a memorable one, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I met a lot of new people, learnt not only about French but European and International Culture, and learnt how to do good research, and the importance of work life balance for doing good research.

According to him, the campus of ENS de Lyon was really up to the mark, and the labs had a very welcoming environment. He highlights that all the facilities such as the gym and the restaurant were great. Raghav will forever keep in mind all the people he met and the friends and colleagues he made during his internship and during which he shared his passion for science and research. The fantastic food too will stay in is mind long after his internship at ENS de Lyon. He declares:

I will definitely recommend ENS de Lyon to a fellow student, because I found that my stay in France helped me gain a lot of exposure to research, and helped me hone my interpersonal skills as well.