As part of the ENS-IISER partnership, Aswathy LATIKA BABU, a doctoral candidate at the NCCS, joined ENS de Lyon through the BIOSANTEXC program and completed a three-month internship at the IGFL.
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.
Aswathy LATIKA BABU experience at ENS de Lyon
Aswathy LATIKA BABU recently completed a three-month PhD research stay at IGFL, under the supervision of Kiran PADMANABHAN. A doctoral candidate at the National Center for Cell Science (NCCS), she joined ENS de Lyon through the BIOSANTEXC program.
Her research focuses on cell biology, with a particular interest in understanding the structure of nucleoporins. In the future, she aims to further develop this work with a stronger focus on biochemistry. Aswathy clearly sees her future in academia, stating: "I would like to continue my career in academic research."
Aswathy chose France, and more specifically ENS de Lyon, thanks to an existing scientific collaboration between her home institution and ENS de Lyon. This opportunity allowed her to join a well-established research environment and to gain international experience in a highly regarded academic institution.
Before arriving in France, Aswathy expected significant cultural differences compared to India. "I knew the culture would be very different, and that people would be more relaxed," she explains. After arriving, her experience exceeded expectations. She was particularly pleased with the French approach to work-life balance: "The working hours are well structured, and that makes a big difference."
During her stay, Aswathy interacted with many French and international students. She appreciated these exchanges, both scientifically and personally: "It was very exciting to see how people from different backgrounds think scientifically." She also enjoyed meeting other Indian researchers, sharing perspectives and ideas.
This internship allowed Aswathy to acquire new technical skills, particularly in genetic manipulation, and to work with new scientific equipment. She also deepened her understanding of biological mechanisms such as "how the sleeping and waking cycle happens at the cellular level." Overall, the experience strengthened her focus and interest in cell biology.
Aswathy greatly enjoyed French daily life and culture. "The food culture is very different, but I loved the breakfasts and the cheese," she notes. She also emphasizes the kindness of people in France: "French people helped me a lot, especially with transport tickets and getting around the city."
Within the laboratory, she felt very well integrated: "The lab members were extremely friendly and welcoming."
Apart from accommodation, Aswathy did not face major difficulties when settling in Lyon. "Transportation is amazing and very easy to use," she explains.
To improve the program, she suggests better planning to match the short duration of the internship. "For a three-month stay, it is difficult to start a project from scratch," she says. According to her, it would be more efficient to allow students to continue an existing project rather than starting a completely new one.
Aswathy strongly recommends ENS de Lyon to other students considering the same mobility program. "You really understand how people work here," she concludes.
