As part of the ENS-IISER partnership, Gayatree MISHRA , a doctoral candidate from IISER Bhopal, 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.
Gayatree MISHRA experience at ENS de Lyon
Gayatree MISHRA is a 30-year-old Ph.D. candidate from IISER Bhopal, India, specializing in virology and molecular biology. Her doctoral research focuses on understanding the interactions and functions of Nipah virus F and G proteins using a pseudovirus system, with the aim of improving knowledge on viral entry, pathogenesis, and antiviral strategies.
During her internship at CIRI, ENS de Lyon, under the supervision of Dr. Branka HORVAT, she worked on " Looking ahead, Gayatree aspires to pursue a research-oriented career that bridges fundamental virology with translational applications: "My goal is to combine basic research with vaccine and antiviral development."
Gayatree chose France for its strong dedication to high-level scientific research and international collaboration. "France is known for its commitment to high-quality science and innovation," she explains. ENS de Lyon, in particular, attracted her due to its interdisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and internationally recognized research in infectious diseases.
Her internship at CIRI offered her a unique opportunity to deepen her expertise: "It allowed me to master advanced techniques and interact with leading experts in viral immunology."
Before coming to France, Gayatree was already aware of the country’s rich scientific heritage. "France has a strong legacy in biomedical research," she notes. She also knew that ENS de Lyon is among the top French institutions, especially renowned for life sciences and molecular biology. Discovering CIRI’s cutting-edge research on emerging viruses further motivated her to apply.
Upon arrival, Gayatree was immediately struck by the country’s balance between structure and creativity. "France is a beautifully organized country that truly values art, science, and culture," she recalls. Lyon left a particularly strong impression on her: "It felt elegant and peaceful, and people were warm, welcoming, and very helpful." She was especially impressed by the harmonious coexistence of scientific excellence and cultural richness.
Gayatree describes the ENS de Lyon campus as a highly supportive environment for research and learning. "The campus is modern and well-equipped, creating ideal conditions for scientific work," she explains. The laboratories at CIRI stood out for their quality and collaborative spirit: "The facilities were excellent and encouraged teamwork and high-quality research." She also appreciated the accommodation and campus life, highlighting the convenient access to restaurants and shared spaces.
During her stay, Gayatree interacted extensively with both French and international students. She describes this as "a truly enriching experience.". Lab discussions and informal exchanges were particularly valuable: "Talking with people from different scientific and cultural backgrounds helped me gain new perspectives." She emphasizes the open-minded and welcoming atmosphere she encountered throughout her internship. The internship played a key role in Gayatree’s professional development. "It significantly broadened my understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and viral immunology," she explains. She also gained hands-on experience with virological assays in BSL-2 settings, strengthening her technical skill set. Beyond the laboratory, the experience reinforced her academic ambitions: "It deepened my motivation to pursue an international research career in virology."
Gayatree describes her stay in France as rewarding on both a professional and personal level. She fondly remembers the hospitality, cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere of Lyon, which made her stay particularly memorable.
Overall, Gayatree’s experience was smooth. The application process went well, though she mentions that "finding suitable accommodation initially required some effort." The language barrier posed a minor challenge at first, but she quickly adapted: "People were very supportive, and many spoke English, which made things much easier."
Gayatree strongly recommends ENS de Lyon to other students considering the same program. It offers an outstanding research environment, supportive mentors, and access to cutting-edge facilities. According to her, the experience goes far beyond research: "ENS de Lyon fosters both scientific growth and cultural exchange, making it an excellent destination for international students."
