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.

Kunal RAJPUT's experience at ENS de Lyon

Kunal RAJPUT completed his three month internship at the IGFL under the supervision of Frédéric MARMIGERE and Kiran PADMANABHAN. He is a student at IISER Mohali, and his research focuses on analyzing nuclear pores dynamic in mouse hepatocytes during the circadian cycle. With the ambition of pursuing a PhD, this experience marks an important step in his academic journey.

Kunal explains that his choice was motivated by Europe’s strong reputation in science and the opportunities it offers to discover new places. Encouraged by his university’s outreach office, he applied to the program. Although he initially only knew Paris, he was aware of France’s excellence in research and its reputation for a good work-life balance.

Upon arrival, Kunal was warmly welcomed. He recalls how Pradeep DAS, researcher at the RDP, picked him up and gave him a tour of the city, noting that the old houses of Lyon looked “peaceful.” Later, Frédéric MARMIGERE came to check if everything was fine in his room, an attention that left a strong impression on him.

Kunal quickly integrated into campus life and highlighted several aspects:

• Accommodation: He described the Debourg residence as excellent, with spacious rooms and a convivial atmosphere that made it easy to connect with friends.
• Laboratories: He was impressed by the wide range of facilities and equipment, and appreciated how colleagues took the time to teach him how to use different machines. He also had the chance to learn new techniques directly from other lab members.
• Sports: He made the most of the well-equipped gym, playing badminton and doing strength training, all at a very affordable price.

The international environment at ENS de Lyon allowed Kunal to interact with many students and researchers, both French and international. He particularly valued the opportunity to see how science is practiced in different countries and to discover new cultures, including their food traditions. This internship also enriched his scientific skills and career perspectives. Kunal emphasized that he acquired new techniques useful for his future research. Unlike his previous experiences, he found it much easier to interact with principal investigators, which made the internship even more rewarding.

Beyond his scientific activities, Kunal enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of French culture. He explored Lyon and appreciated the friendly traditions within his lab, such as the Friday meetings that ended with wine and informal discussions.

Looking back on his experience, Kunal strongly recommends ENS de Lyon to fellow students. He highlights the quality of the program, which covers flights, accommodation, stipend, and travel, as well as the excellence of the facilities and the supportive environment.

Thanks to this mobility internship within the BIOSANTEXC project, Kunal was also offered the opportunity to continue his research at the IGFL through another funding program. This experience truly opened new doors for him and expanded his academic horizon.